April 14 | Slow Down Before Anger Moves You

Today’s readings from 1 Samuel 25–26 and Luke 12:32–59 invite us to consider how quickly our internal responses can shape our direction, and how God forms us over time to respond with awareness rather than reaction.In 1 Samuel 25, David is disrespected after doing what was right, and his immediate response is anger that nearly leads to unnecessary destruction. Abigail’s intervention creates space for him to see clearly, revealing how easily even a godly person can be carried by emotion when it goes unchecked.In Luke 12, Jesus calls His followers to live with awareness, readiness, and trust, reminding them that what is happening internally matters just as much as what is visible externally. He presses on attentiveness, urging them to discern what is taking place beneath the surface.Together, these passages invite us to notice the pace of our reactions, especially in moments of tension, and to allow God to form a steadiness within us that grows over time rather than reacting in the moment.