“The godless in heart harbor resentment” (Job 36:13)
Heavenly Father, this little verse is bringing big conviction this Saturday morning. My unguarded heart had a resentment trigger-fest yesterday, and rather than being provoked to love (Heb.10:24), I was just provoked. When I list my vexation generators, I feel pretty silly. I also know other stuff was lurking below the surface.
Slow drivers in the left lane, fast talkers trying to sell me something. Fish that rob my bait, phish-ers trying to steal my personal info. Grainy watermelons, hard peaches, mushy raspberries. Wi-Fi that’s supposed to be 1000 running at 127. The existence of mosquitos and ticks. I am thankful for new mercies this morning, Father.
To harbor resentment is nothing short of harboring a criminal, bent on destruction. It’s to turn our hearts in a B & B for brigands, thieves, and hooligans. For resentment is bent on illegal activity: Disturbing the peace and turning over our heart-furniture, robbing joy and killing kindness, grieving the Holy Spirit and fueling a critical spirit. There’s no greater waste of energy than resentment.
So Father, by the love that sent Jesus to the cross and the power that raised him from the dead, center and settle me and my friends. Neither I, nor those who join me daily in this prayer journey, want to think, speak, or react with resentment. As this Saturday begins and continues, fill us with your grace and Spirit. Grant us quick repentances and many fast returns to Gospel-sanity and kindness. And if we need to repair from yesterday, or several days before, grant us humility and more humility. So Very Amen.