GUARD YOUR ATTITUDE
“Just kill me now, LORD! I’d rather be dead than alive if what I predicted will not happen.”
The LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry about this?”
Then Jonah went out to the east side of the city and made a shelter to sit under as he waited to see what would happen to the city.
Jonah 4:3-5 (NLT)
Have you ever seen a child, grandchild, niece or nephew pout? When they don’t get their way, they pout and complain to try to get what they want or to respond to not getting what they want. Surely, pouting is something we outgrow, isn’t it?
Jonah is sometimes referred to as the pouting prophet. Jonah has his ideas and plans, and they don’t align with God’s, so he does what none of us would ever do: he pouts. He complains. He grumbles and sits out for a little while. Jonah doesn’t want the Ninevites to be shown grace. They were a ruthless and wicked people to the Jews, so when God tells Jonah that He’s going to show them grace, Jonah is angry. It’s important to know that when we are angry or upset, we can often skew reality or be dramatic. Jonah asks to die. Elijah tells God when he’s upset that he is the only prophet left, which God reminds him isn’t true. Sometimes, we don't see clearly when we get upset, hurt or frustrated. Like a pouting child who often only sees a portion of the truth or situation, we can be the same with circumstances or things that happen to us. Part of guarding your heart is guarding your attitude—when you don’t get what you want. When bad things happen, and things don’t go according to plan, may we be people who trust God. May we be people who follow Him even when it doesn’t make sense. There is something He sees that we can’t. His wisdom is beyond ours. Pouting has never once changed God’s mind, and it’s never changed a Christian for the better. It’s okay to grieve and be sad, but don’t pout or give up. Trust God with whatever you walk through, and remember He is good.
APPLICATION: Allow your attitude to be like Jesus today.
PRAYER: May God allow your heart to trust Him in all His ways. Spend some time thanking God for His goodness. Allow a deeper faith and trust to grow in you!
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?