“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil; but the fool rageth, and is confident. He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly; and a man of wicked devises is hated. The simple inherit folly; but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” Prov. 14:16-18
Today’s Christian daily devotional
I take a deep breath. The endless possibilities of what Las Vegas has to offer is more excitement than what this simple Chicago girl is accustomed to. My girlfriends and I are at the hottest nightclub. We are being escorted past the long line in front. Because we are dancers at a popular strip club, we have VIP access.
We came to Vegas to make our millions dancing for men that got lucky at the tables. But this was our first night and we intended to enjoy every perk while we were here.
As we pushed through the crowd, we were led up the stairs to the VIP room.
I peered over the mass congregation of strangers. Hundreds of people were gyrating on the floor below us. Bodies of every kind were smashed together. The Goths with their spiked hair mingled with the decadent drag queens. The club kids bopped around, weaving through the crowd, sweating and sucking on their lollipops.
When we finally reached the top of the stairs, we walked into the exclusive section—the VIP. Beautiful people were scattered about comfortably. They lounged on couches in the glass room hovering at the pinnacle of the nightclub. It was awesome to get a bird’s eye view of the madness going on below.
As soon as we settled into our couch, a gorgeous blonde presented us with a pricey bottle of champagne. While she did, she motioned to a table of men that had sent it over. They smiled back at us as they lifted their glasses. They were motioning for us to join them in a group toast.
I felt it was rude not to. These generous strangers were kind enough to drop an enormous amount of money on our tab. I lifted my glass and toasted to the beginning of our exciting adventure in Vegas. The bubbles felt light and good going down my throat.
One of the men confidently broke from his clan and sauntered over to our table. He pulled up next to my girlfriend, Jessica. By the look on her face, I could tell she was enjoying the attention. They spoke in hushed tones and whispered into each other’s ears while I scanned the activities around me.
The champagne hit my empty stomach pretty quick. I wanted to join the crowd by dancing but my feet felt like cement blocks. Relaxing on the couch and enjoying the view was just fine enough for me. There was much to be distracted by.
Jess interrupted my serene buzz as she slid up next to me. “Here’s the stuff.” She breathed quietly in my ear while she slipped a napkin in my hand. I unfolded it to find a tiny white pill wrapped inside.
“What stuff?” I had no idea what she was talking about or what I was looking at.
“I saw your Eddie out partying last weekend. This pill is what he has been doing while you are at work. Don’t you want to see what he has been doing behind your back with your money?”
Jessica was never one to shy from sharing secrets or starting trouble. She relished in drama and her hopeful expectation was written all over her face. Jess wanted me to be angry enough to let loose and have fun—just for once. I was always the designated sober driver; talking people out of decisions that would make my job harder at the end of the night when all I wanted was to go home.
The last thing I wanted was to be reminded of the boyfriend that I had been trying to break free from over the last few years. I felt a flare of anger rush up and color my cheeks crimson; they always did this when I was livid.
I looked at the little white pill. It seemed so harmless, yet it was the source of most of my relationship problems. What was so amazing about it?
“Okay. Why not? This is Vegas, right? It’s my turn to have a good time.” I thrust my hand out practically demanding my share, slightly taken back by the quick melt of my resolve.
“Drake says you only should take half, it is strong ecstasy. If you take the whole thing it might rock you too much; especially since you have never had it.” She warned with little conviction to actually stop me.
It didn’t matter, because it was too late. The whole pill was already down my throat with another shot of champagne to boost.
My anger cost me a lot that night. In fact it actually cost me three days and nights. I became so sick that I was hallucinating and dry heaving until the drug left my system. I saw things that weren’t really present and heard voices and music that had long stopped hours before. My mind worked overtime to just focus on simple tasks like getting dressed. I became paranoid about everything and everybody. Our plans for a glamorous and lucrative weekend came to screeching halt with that little pill.
In Proverbs. 14:16-18 The Bible warns that a person who allows their anger to control and make their decisions is a fool that is confident in their own foolishness.
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I wonder how many times I have allowed my anger to control the decisions I have made. The results have never been a good thing.
Lord, can you give me the ability to stop, pause and take a moment to breathe a short prayer before I make a rash decision that I will regret later? I need you to take control of my anger.
I have made the excuse in the past that this is just my personality trait. That is a lie. It is actually a choice I have made so often, it feels like it is a part of who I am. It is not.
Lord, you promised that the Christ within me could change me if I am willing to work with the promptings that he tells my heart. I am choosing to obey the voice of wisdom and self-control instead of my own anger.
In Jesus’ precious name, thank you for allowing me to see this so I can create a more peaceful home and life. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Proverbs 14:16-18
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan