Letting Go!

Here is a scripture to help you start out this new year fresh.

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.”  Ephesians 4:26

Although at times you and I may get angry, we should not sin.  The way to prevent sin is to deal with “the anger before the sun goes down”.

Here’s my point, as you start out the new year, don’t allow yourself to bring in anything that is negative (anger, troubles, etc.).  Let it go.  Whatever happened last year that makes you angry, upset or discouraged, let it go.  Do not bring it into the new year (don’t let the sun go down on it).  Even though this verse is an excellent tip for married couples, it can also work wonders for us as individuals too.

Apostle Paul got angry (at least once) with Mark, one of the guys in his ministry.  He apparently misjudged Mark in Acts 15:37 by not wanting to bring Mark with him on his second journey (Mark did leave Paul’s first journey for a reason no one really knows).  Paul talks bad about Mark to his cousin Barnabas.  Barnabas didn’t agree with Paul and this disagreement led to a split in Paul’s ministry.  Paul went one way and Barnabas the other.

Later on in 2 Tim. 4:11 Paul writes, “Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.”  It looks like Paul had a change of heart because now he wants Mark back.  We don’t know exactly what happened except that Paul now wanted Mark back on his team. Some commentators guess that maybe the reason Mark left Paul on the first journey was that Mark was just being rebellious or not willing to pay the price.  Others say that it’s possible that Paul was just so on fire and passionate about this ministry that he neglected his team or that maybe he was a little too harsh and hard to work with.  Yet others say that Mark just got homesick. We really don’t know the reason why Mark left Paul.

When Paul writes asking for Mark he is in prison knowing that his life may be ending soon.  I take it that Paul did not want the sun to go down on his anger (he was pretty upset earlier).

Have you ever misjudged someone?  Has someone misjudged you?  The Word of God says to let it go by not letting “the sun go down while you are still angry”.  Deal with it quickly.

You might be thinking, how do I not let the sun go down? Good question, here a are a few suggestions:  Ask God to help you.  Think before you speak.  Forgive yourself, forgive people, build good relationships (by being a good listener) and expect great things.  Love your spouse and kids.  Speak positive things.  Stop being negative and expect grace and favor.  Expect God to do great things in your life this year as well as in your family’s life.

If you want to take it a step further stay in God’s Word, work hard, mind your own ministry, grow yourself, be creative, be positive and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If you are involved in ministry don’t isolate yourself, be a good team player, be available, teachable, have a good attitude, roll with the punches and smile.  If you are not involved in ministry, get involved. Give your time, talents & treasure to God.  Start small but do something.

Be happy on purpose, keep your eyes on the Lord and position yourself to have a great year (by your commitment, faithfulness, and excellence).  Lastly, while we are talking about starting out this new year fresh, don’t forget to plan, prioritize and to pray.

Don’t bring into the new year anything negative from your past.  Forget about it on purpose.  Stop thinking about the bad things that happened to you.  Let them go.   Don’t bring them into this new year.

“Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”.