Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Do you ever have one of those days where everything seems to be going wrong? You're running late, burn the toast, then the baby spills juice all over the floor just as you're walking out the door. Seriously? Could I please catch a break!? How do you react to these situations? Do you get angry and yell at the kids and snap at your husband? I'm sure we've all been there. But in the grand scheme of things, are these frustrations really worth getting so worked up over? No.

"In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." Psalm 4:4

"Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil." Psalm 37:8

"For as churning the milk produces butter, and as twisting the nose produces blood, so stirring up anger produces strife." Proverbs 30:33

The only thing that comes from unrighteous, uncalled for anger is sin and strife. This is not the reaction we need to have because it will only cause strife among the ones we love. If you are having a bad day, it is only bound to get worse if you allow your anger to take hold and affect other areas of your life. And then later you are sure to look back at how silly the whole event was anyway, so why not work to avoid getting upset in the first place? But of course, this is often easier said than done. So what does scripture have to say?

"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." Psalm 103:8

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control." Proverbs 29:11

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

While there are certainly times when anger has a place (toward sin, for example), we are to be slow to anger. Silly annoyances in everyday life are no cause for anger and lashing out. We are to instead keep ourselves under control, and always clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. So the next time you get stuck in traffic and you spill your milkshake and the baby is screaming, stop, take a deep breath, and keep things in perspective. Is it really worth getting upset over? Is it really worth upsetting your child, husband, friend because you can't control yourself? Is this really going to matter 2 days from now? 2 hours from now? Probably not. And remember, only a fool gives full vent to his anger. And nobody wants to be a fool!