Freely Speaking Audio Devotions

Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.

Today, Angela Vandagriff shares on the subject of forbearance which is practicing self-control in the midst of anger.

“Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitated ​— ​it can only bring harm. For evildoers will be destroyed, but those who put their hope in the LORD will inherit the land” (Psalms 37:8,9 CSB).

Anger that consumes you turns to rage that controls you. Yes, I have been there, have you? At 11:32 p.m. on May 21, 2012, I received a phone call that would leave my family utterly destroyed. Summoned to the hospital, I frantically raced to the ER. There, I saw my two-year-old granddaughter’s lifeless body. I will spare you what transpired at the E.R., but how could I turn the other cheek and let this go? I couldn't!

My anger, seasoned with grief, grew into rage. Revenge for my granddaughter’s killer was consuming me. The hate that grew in my heart controlled me, and God saw how much. My intentions were an eye for an eye.

The Holy Spirit in me was stronger than the rage that controlled me. On September 29, 2012, God was able to reach my heart. I noted it in my Bible beside today's scripture: “This is what I have to do concerning my granddaughter’s killer.” I needed to trust God and release my desire for revenge.

Psalms 37:8,9 gives us solid instruction on what to do when attacked. Cease, refrain from anger; give up your rage; do not let the devil push your buttons to retaliate. It is not our place to inflict revenge even if it seems justified. It is God’s place to do that. He says evildoers will be cut off and destroyed. But those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

I released my hate, rage, and grief to the Lord, knowing His righteous justice would prevail. Whatever has been done to you, I encourage you today to lay that hurt, that anger, that jealousy, or that grief at the Lord’s feet and free yourself from the emotions you were never meant to carry.

Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com.