Do not lift your horns against heaven; do not speak so defiantly. – Psalm 75:5

Today's Scripture Reading (September 23, 2025): Psalm 75 & 76

It is construction season where I live. That time of the year when all the various construction companies race the clock to get everything done, especially those things requiring good weather, or at least, are better suited for warm or cool weather, as opposed to the cold and frigid temperatures that we all know are coming. As a result, basements are being dug, roofs are being finished, and roadwork is omnipresent. It can be frustrating when you are sure a lane is closed ahead, but you are uncertain of which one. I admit, I am one of those guys who likes to get into the lane as soon as I realize I am in the wrong one. And then there are always the guys who race to the front of the traffic and then force their way into traffic. Usually, I am okay with these idiots (excuse my language). But every once in a while, someone decides to wait until the last moment to make the required lane change. They rush to the front of the line and then try to push their way into the proper lane, sometimes at high speed, nearly causing a major accident.

In these situations, I tend to get angry; not that I would necessarily show that anger. I remember, in my younger years, calling one such driver an idiot, forgetting that I had an older member of the congregation in my car. She wasn't pleased with me, so I tend to internalize my anger. Which usually means I imagine all of the things I would like to say to the offending driver. In reality, I talk a good game in my mind, but I would never say any of my imagined conversations to the driver if we did meet, at least, I don't think I would. By the time we might have that conversation, I would have cooled off and remembered all of the stupid things I have done behind the wheel of the car.

I have been angry with God. There have been a couple of times I have said that when I get to heaven, I'll want to have a conversation with the Big Guy. Maybe I am just making excuses for myself, but I think that God understands that these moments are born out of frustration. God understands that I sometimes don't see His plan and think I would do things differently. However, I never arrive at the point where I want the job, nor would I say I have lost my trust in God.

Asaph warns us about our anger. He teaches us not to "lift your horns against heaven." Perhaps the most relevant translation of Asaph's teaching for our world is to avoid shaking your fist at heaven. I think it is okay to question God in our frustration. But shaking our fist or defiantly speaking to God means that we are ready to take over His job, and that is not a place where we want to be.   

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Psalm 77