When we are in the habit of fixing our gaze on the "horizontal", comparing and measuring ourselves by others or comparing and measuring others by our own standards...we can quickly find ourselves agitated and frustrated. We can be quick to judge. We can be quick to find fault. We can quickly become irritated at the choices and decisions others make, especially when they impact us. Even if those thoughts stay within us (and, let's be real, they often don't) we can become "stirred up" in our spirits and short-tempered with those around us.
God offers us a simple solution: PRAY
"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." 1 Timothy 2:1-2
The way to remove our agitation, frustration, irritation and unsettledness of spirit...the way to live a tranquil, quiet life is not to move to the beach (although, wouldn't that be lovely?!), it's not to find better friends or get away from our family for the day...it's to pray for those around us. It's to lift our eyes vertically to God our Savior and bring to Him all our cares, be they situations or people.
"I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone" (emphasis mine).
Do you do that? Do you pray for those that irritate you, annoy you, sin against you, mess up your plans or walk in such a way that their foolishness causes you pain and heartache? This passage convicted me greatly...as my answer to those questions is often a "no".
We are called to:
petition: make formal requests on behalf of others
pray: take those entreaties to God...the only one who can change hearts
intercede: ask earnestly for the sake of another...personally care about that person
give thanks: praise God not only for who He is but praise God for the person or situation He has brought into our life...He's working His good purpose through it all!
The result: a tranquil and quiet life...free from worry, anger and angst.
Oh, to walk in the blessings that come from faithful dependence on the Lord in prayer! Oh, to have a heart at rest in the arms of Jesus!
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