A Short Fuse

Being Scotch-Irish through my dad’s side of the family, I grew up seeing a short fuse in action. And I inherited that short fuse! For a long time I just blamed it on my family background. But eventually, the Lord convicted me of my impatience and quick response of anger. 

I’m still learning about patience, but over the years I have seen God’s work in helping to lessen my quick, hot anger. One day I came across this quote from an unknown author: 

The wind of anger blows out the lamp of intelligence.

Quite convicting.

Proverbs 29:11 says…

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check.

Impatience and anger can be an outgrowth of self-focus. Also convicting. But I see such a difference when I am able to have patience with a person or situation. When I want to snap back at someone, if I just zip my lip, give the person the benefit of the doubt and say “I must have misunderstood,” the outcome is much more positive. 

This year I memorized, and often quote, Psalm 141:3.

Lord set up a guard for my mouth. Keep watch at the door of my lips.

and James 1:19-20.

Brother, take note of this, everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life God desires.

I have a long way to go, but I have seen progress. How about you? Is this an area where you struggle like I do? Instead of blaming it on our genetics, let’s call it sin and selfishness. Maybe that will encourage us to pray for victory over our short fuse!

See Favorite Quotes for more posts in this category.

Banner photo by Julien L on Unsplash