I heard from a dear friend who asked for prayer for one of her loved ones. She said that he was angry about some injustices that he had suffered in the past, and she was concerned that his anger would greatly hinder God’s work in his life and circumstances. As I thought about her concerns, and prayed for her loved one, the Holy Spirit showed me exactly how to minister to her. I told her that while it was true that our anger can hinder God’s work in our lives, it was also true that I had seen God work mightily on my husband’s behalf many times, even when he was angry. And I said that if we will keep our loved ones covered in prayers of faith, the Holy Spirit will continue to work in their hearts and lives.

Scripture says: “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV) Feeling angry is a normal human response, especially when we are treated unfairly. But we should never allow our anger to lead to sinful actions or words. If we gain control over our anger before the day ends, we prevent the devil from doing us serious harm. This is God’s best for us.

But God knows that there will be times when our emotions will get the best of us. And this is when we need someone to support us with prayer and words of encouragement, and to remind us of God’s promises. The Bible tells us that Jesus “sympathizes and understands our weaknesses…knowing exactly how it feels to be human in every respect…” (Hebrews 4:15 AMP) And it is because of this that the next verse says, “Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive MERCY [for our FAILURES] and find [HIS AMAZING] GRACE to help in time of need [an appropriate BLESSING, coming just at the right moment].” (Hebrews 4:16 AMP) If we will seek the Lord for an added measure of His mercy and grace when we need it, we will receive “an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment.” Hallelujah!

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful that You sympathize and understand my weaknesses and failures. Make me quick to turn to You for forgiveness, mercy, and grace when I miss the mark. Work in my heart so that I will always make it my goal to please You in all things. (2 Corinthians 5:9) Thank You for the appropriate blessings that I will receive at just the right moment!