vexed – Moment to Moment (Bible blog)

Vexed and sullen

And Ahab went into his house vexed and sullen… (1 Kings 21:4)

Jesus told us that to enter God’s kingdom, we must become like a little child. But this is not what he meant.

Ahab was a king. God had entrusted Israel to him. And yet, Ahab acted like a spoiled brat.

Twice in five verses, it talks about Ahab going home vexed and sullen.

Once, because God rebuked him (1 Kings 20:43).

And now, because Naboth refused to sell Ahab his field. (1 Kings 21:4).

But it made me think, “Are there times I act like Ahab? Are there times I act vexed and sullen like a little child?”

God pointed out one area to me this morning. And I had to repent.

Are there times you act vexed and sullen? With your boss? With your husband or wife? With your boyfriend or girlfriend? With your friends?

Worst of all, with God?

When vexed

I like how the ESV puts verse 16 in today’s reading.

The vexation of a fool is known at once… (Proverbs 12:16)

To be honest, I was feeling a bit “vexed” at work today because of a lack of communication which has always been an issue, but which particularly surfaced in the last couple of days.

And that “vexation” snuck out into my words and actions.

I’m not saying I completely lost my temper or anything, but I think my frustration was pretty clear to my coworker.

Not ten minutes later, I was reading this verse and having a short conversation with God.

I had good reason to be vexed. But that didn’t make the way I expressed it right.

I wonder how often I act the “fool” when I’m frustrated. How quickly do I let it show on my face, or in a sigh, or in my words?

Lord, grant me patience, especially when I’m feeling frustrated. Let me not act the fool.

Rather, let me be filled with grace, mercy, and patience…the very same grace, mercy, and patience you show me every day.