Week 48: Irritated

Weekly Chapters:

Romans 14 -

II Corinthians 4

Passage of the Week:

I Corinthians 13:1-13

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Adjective:

• Angered, provoked, annoyed

• Inflamed as in part of the body

Thesaurus:

• Angry

• Botthered

• Disturved

• Troubled

• Irked

• Provoked

Father God,

Thank You for Your blessings this week: friends, family, and Your love. Open my eyes, my heart, and my soul to Your word. Let me be a sponge to soak up Your message.

Amen

Authentic vulnerability:

I feel that I am in a constant state of irritation. 

• Irritation is my buddy, always with me as I hit the snooze.  

• My accomplice, as I angrily yell at the kids to get up.

• My comrade, as I try to get ready and “nothing” will go right.

• A partner, as I walk the dog in the freezing cold, begging her just to “be done already.” 

• My coconspirator as I drive to work, irritated with every driver on the road.

• You get the point.

I would love to blame it on waking up on the wrong side of the bed, but that means that at least 50% of my mornings would be irritation-free.

What is your Authentic Truth?

Study:

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.”

Romans 5:1

“It’s better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.”

Proverbs 21:19

“Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.”

Proverbs 14:17

“A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.”

Proverbs 12:16

“Control your temper, for anger labels you a fool.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9

The Bible warns us against being irritable many times; the above list is only a few. We are counseled to keep our cool, not blow our top, and keep peace in our hearts.

But how do we control our irritability? According to Psychology Today, one can reduce irritability through:

1. Understanding the source

2. Reduce caffeine and alcohol

3. Realize that these are little things

4. Get in touch with your compassion, including self-compassion

5. Gain perspective look at the big picture, what really matters

6. Get rid of nervous energy; for example, take a walk

7. Try to find quiet time alone

Paul talks of our greatest gift, a gift that calms every irritation. Without our most incredible gift, we have nothing.  After all, almost every song created is about the gift of love.

I Corinthians 13:4-7, 13

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Love combats every irritability if we choose it.

• My alarm clock sounds

  • I love to get up early to serve others

  • Time in solitude with God will strengthen me and set my course

• I have to wake up the kids

  • I chose to love the kids that God has blessed me with

  • I’m thankful for the time they are still young and with me

• My hair, makeup, clothing choices are killing my spirit

  • I love that I live in a country where I have the freedom to make choices with my hair, makeup, clothes

• My dog likes to take long walks when it’s cold

  • I love that my dog shows me unconditional love and shows me love even when I do not deserve it.

  • Her walks help strengthen my body.

• My commute, Ugghhh

  • my drive to work is a blessing, as many people do not have jobs

As we can see, looking at the world through love-colored glasses makes our life so much more enjoyable.

Psychology Today says to look at the source of irritation, could be lack of sleep? Poor diet? Not enough time with God? All of the above? 

I Corinthians 13:13

13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Father God,

We are so blessed with choices to make every day: choices of love or irritation. Father God, give me the strength to desire always to choose love.

Amen.

Homework:

• Find the source of irritation

  • Dig deep

  • Do you get enough sleep?

  • Do you eat right?

  • Do you need to take a walk?

  • Do you need to stop and breathe?

  • Do you need to choose love?

• Pray for God to remove this source or make a way for healing.