Tantrum

Tantrum
Posted on May 29, 2016 in Devotions
Author:  Shiela Bernardo
 We see it all too often – a toddler throwing a fit because they did not get what they want. They scream, kick, whine, cry and just completely lose it. This must be a stunt to manipulate mom and dad into giving in. But the parents’ reaction seems to be what’s under scrutiny much more than the ostentatious commotion that the kid is trying to pull off. That’s because there’s a certain expectation to be the bigger person in this duel, and the adult must always be the one to extend understanding.

When the tables are turned, it is hard to imagine taking on the personality of a two-year old and uncontrollably throwing a tantrum. But there are moments where I’ve seen my attitude through this revealing set of lens. Patience and maturity aren’t always my default response when I do not get what I want. I can swiftly act with brashness and defiance toward God, even if I should know better.

That’s actually what’s humbling about this realization. You pray for things, and often you are fully convinced that you can trust whatever the outcome is since you’ve already lifted it up to God after all. But then it strikes bitterly when you catch yourself unable to contain your disdain when things don’t shake out in your own terms.  

In Psalms 139:1-4, it reads:  “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You, Lord, know it completely.”.

We can be ourselves around God and act with full transparency. But even if we couldn’t wrap our heads around it and emulate childish behavior, trust that He is levelheaded at all times. God is a parent who knows what’s best. He will let us have what is beneficial for us, and will withhold what is harmful for us. Through it all, He is teaching us a lesson, only if we would listen.