God Can Handle Your Moods
Well, hey there, swing that ol’ rusty gate open and come sit a spell up here on this ol’ front porch, friend. There’s fresh brewed coffee in the pot, a breeze wanderin’ through the trees, and an ol’ groundhog down by the shed lookin’ as suspicious as a deacon caught with the last biscuit. Some days our emotions can act about as civilized as an ol’ onery mule in a hornet patch, and Jonah plum knew a thing or two about that.
In Jonah 4:9, God asked him, “Is it right for you to be angry about the plant?” Jonah had already run from God, argued with God, preached for God, and then sulked because God showed compassion. Yet, the Lord didn’t ever abandon him. God stayed close enough to question him, teach him, and uncover what was really growin’ in his heart.
That’s mighty comfortin’ because Psalm 103:14 says, “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” God downright understands our weakness, but He plum loves us too much to leave us tangled up in it.
Jonah was upset over an ol’ wilted plant while God was sho’-nuff’ concerned about an entire city. Sometimes we can get so focused on what shaded us, disappointed us, or inconvenienced us that we plum lose sight of what matters eternally.
That’s where 2 Corinthians 3:18 gives us hope. As we behold the Lord, we’re “being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.” God ain’t merely tryin’ to improve our mood. He’s plum shapin’ our character. Every irritation can become a classroom where His Spirit teaches us patience, compassion, and a heart that looks more like Christ.
Father, You know my heart better than I do. When my emotions get tangled, help me bring them honestly to You. Show me where anger, pride, or self pity has narrowed my vision. Keep transforming me until my heart reflects Your compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Now, there it is, so straighten your collar, grab whatever the day requires, and head right back on out there, friend. Don’t let one wilted ol’ plant have you carryin’ on like a lil’ ol’ possum that found the pantry padlocked. God may be usin’ today’s aggravation to loosen somethin’ real stubborn in your heart. Keep your face turned up toward Him because transformation often gits start real good right where the irritation ends. And when that ol’ temper starts rattlin’ the screen door, remember this: God sho’-nuff’ ain’t finished with you yet.
With joy,
Gwen
