Reading 4: The Wrath

Wrath is defined as ‘the emotional response to perceived wrong and injustice, ‘Often translated as anger, indignation, or irritation.

Here we have the wrath of God on His righteous people; they have turned away from Him and are seeking pleasures to fulfill their desires. It’s the same for us today when we lose our focus on God. We seek out things to fulfill our longings for something more, and then slowly we turn away from God. Our lives become unmanageable and we feel like something is missing. We have a void we are empty and life seems dull, hard and unpleasant at times. We have taken our eyes off God and put them on the world.

So God in His irritation turns His eyes away from us until we repent of our sin. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He loves us so much. I believe this is why it is so important to live in a Christian community, so we can grow in our faith and knowledge of God. God loves us so much and like any parent He can’t wait to shower us with that love.

Just like a parent God wants to spend time with us, He wants a relationship. We must set aside time in solitude and silence with Him so He can direct our whole lives toward Him. This is most important that relationship between you and God. We must surrender daily to Him in order for Him to fill us up with wisdom, joy, love, etc.,…

Here are a few ways that help me focus on God. Solitude and silence meditating on God listening for what He has for me. I also read and study His word again listening for His word. I listen to Christian music in my car. I pray throughout the day. I love to worship God at church and in nature. It’s not always easy to stay focused but it is the most incredible and life giving journey.

Take a few minutes and meditate on this story. Read Romans 1: 18-32 through four times and just listen to God and what word or phrase He might be giving you.

Now close your eyes and take three deep breaths as you put yourself in this story, what do see? What do you smell?

What chains are you holding on to that need to be broken? Surrender them to God and hold on for the most incredible ride of your life. I love you but best of all God loves you!

Loving God, we so often lose our focus on you and seek fulfillment of our desire for something more in ways that can only disappoint. Thank you for always calling us back in love to You who are the true fulfillment that we seek. Keep our focus on you amid the enticements of the world. Amen.

–Celeste Thick is a mother of two, grandmother of one, and the spouse of one of Hickory’s finest firefighters. She is a teaching assistant at her local elementary school as well as an adult leader for youth in her church and outside of her church. She is an outdoor enthusiast and more importantly a lover and follower of her Savior, Jesus Christ.