Numbers 20:1-13

Moses was as disappointed as Joshua and Caleb were that God was sending the Israelites back into the desert instead of letting them go into the Promised Land. The Israelites would have to spend forty years in the desert as punishment for their unbelief!

What made things worse for Moses was that the people were always complaining. This time they were in the Desert of Zin. “Why have you brought us out into this miserable place where there is no water and where nothing will grow,” they moaned.

Then Moses and Aaron went to the Holy Tent to meet with God. God told Moses to speak to a certain rock, and water would come from it. So Moses took his stick and had everybody gather around the rock. “Listen,” he said, “must we get water out of this rock for you?” Then Moses struck the rock with his stick and water gushed out. But the Lord was not pleased with Moses because he did not honor Him by speaking to the rock.

How can I control my temper?

We all have bad days; days when everything goes wrong, when we are disappointed, when others annoy us and when we are very tired. Our sinful nature takes advantage of our weakness. We feel like shouting at everyone and throwing things around.

When you feel that way:

• Allow the Holy Spirit to control you instead of letting your feelings decide how you will react.

• Don’t let angry feelings pile up inside. Find good ways to let angry feelings come out in a controlled way—for example, by telling someone why you feel angry or by using up your emotional energy by being physically active.

• Ask the Lord to give you peace and help you feel calm inside. Then pray that He will fill your heart with His love.

Verse for today

My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. James 1:19

Truth for Kids