Have you ever seen an angry camel? They can be fairly feisty: biting, kicking, trampling or spitting. According to David Taylor, a wild animal expert, camel handlers in Asia avoid confrontation with their animal when it becomes mad by giving it their coat. The camel jumps on it, bites it and tears the coat to pieces. The anger is placed on something else, allowing beast and human to live in harmony again.

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away.

Isaiah 12:1

The prophet Isaiah often focused on God’s judgment because of broken harmony between Him and His people due to their rebellion. In today’s verse, however, Isaiah is singing a song of praise and giving thanks because he sees the future where God’s people will be freed from their enemies and their sin.

Have you considered what allows God to live with you in harmony even though He’s angry at your sin? Instead of placing His anger on you, He placed it on Jesus on the cross, making you safe from His wrath. Incredible! As you pray today, thank God for turning His anger from you. Ask that He turn the country’s leader’s hearts toward Him so He might deliver them, too.

Recommended Reading: Hosea 14:1-9