Jeremiah 44:8. "Why do you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt where you have come to live, that you may be cut off and become a curse and a taunt among all the nations of the earth?"

I think I often provoke God to anger without even realizing I am doing it, or at least I used to. To be fair to myself, I have become more aware of my faults and I do try, now, to be discerning in all of my actions and choices. But in my past, I had many "idols" that I did not even realize were idols. I sacrificed for things of this world, and pursued them with a dogged determination that should only be given to God. I am sure I provoked Him to anger on many occasions!

Now that I see the error of my ways, I wonder how I could have been so blind, and I sometimes worry that I am doing it again. The realization that I could be that led astray, and that oblivious to it, is very humbling. But then I remember that God will meet me where I am, and that whoever seeks will find, and I know that I am actively seeking. When I feel my own will taking over, which it still sometimes does, that is when I know I am going the wrong way again. So I stop, go to confession, and turn away from that particular temptation or situation.

I have not perfected it yet, I am not sure I ever will, but I am trying not to provoke God to anger. I think that is what He asks of us, to be aware of our own temptations, limitations, and faults, and to work towards not giving in to them, knowing,.though, that if we do, He will always forgive us if we turn back to Him.