Where do disputes and quarrels come from among you? Doesn't it come from your passions fighting each other in your body? (James 4:1)
In James 4, the author cuts to the root of one of our deepest problems: drowning in our own lusts-according to our own way and demanding that our needs be met. If not obeyed, lust can explode into anger that demeans others and oneself.
Even though we get what we want, we feel dissatisfied. Therefore, it is better to ask God to meet our needs through His helping hand, according to His time, and in His way.
It is better to leave our will in God's control, and pray like Jesus, “Not my will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). It is not good to dwell on injustice, to arrange things according to our own plans, or to let our passions dictate our decisions.
Seeking pleasure by following lust will cause "disputes and quarrels" within us and with those around us (James 4:1).
Before our anger runs high, we can step back and walk with One who understands us far more than we do, who cares for us more than we realize. We can share our anger with Him and think things over with Him.
We can ask God to fulfill our needs according to His way. James writes, He gave "grace ... greater than that" (v. 6), grace far greater than anything we can imagine —David Roper
FOR EVERY MINUTE OF ANGRY YOU LOSE 60 SECONDS OF HAPPINESS
* Take from Daily Reflections