DOEST THOU WELL TO BE ANGRY?

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

SEPTEMBER 2

 

Jonah 4:4

Then said the LORD, Doest thou well to be angry?

 
Jonah quarrelled with his God. And who has not?
 
We may not speak as plainly as he did, but we have been in the same temper, and manifested it.
 
Very few are quite satisfied with the Lord’s plans.
 
Fewer still are always pleased with the Lord’s works.
 
How many quarrel with his sovereignty?
 
What hard things have been spoken against it?
 
How many complain of his providence, and think it partial, unkind, and almost unjust!
 
Beloved, we are often angry with God!
 
This temper shows itself in fretfulness, complaining, and sullen gloom.
 
Some are so angry that they will scarcely speak to him, and they restrain prayer.
 
Others will not acknowledge their obligations; therefore they do not praise him.
 
But do we well to be angry?
 
Angry with our Father, whose wisdom is infinite, whose love is as constant as the day, and who constantly showers his blessings upon us!
 
Angry with God, who has pardoned our sins, justified our persons, provided for our wants, united us to his Son, and blessed us with all spiritual blessings!
 
Surely it is a grievous sin, not to be pleased with all he does, with all he requires.
 
Doest thou well to complain, or be angry?
 

Lord, I confess my sin to thee:

Pardon and peace impart;

From evil passions set me free,

And sanctify my heart.

 
James Smith