“And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself” (Nehemiah 5:6-7a).

After everything that Nehemiah had worked so hard to do, he discovered that some of the leaders and nobles were making life miserable and impossible for their fellow citizens. Nehemiah was angry. I mean, he was really angry. I like what he did. He consulted with himself. He didn’t scream at people. He didn’t say things that he would later regret. He didn’t stomp off and head back to his former land. He didn’t retaliate. He consulted with himself! By this consultation, he was able to talk through the situation, plan out the response, and temper the reaction. What a great idea for you and me the next time we grow angry.

For today: The next time I am angry, I need to talk with the Lord and consult with myself!