We often
criticize people who are self-centered or who are touchy, angry or combative. We
do not realize that they are simply trying to survive.
They are
wounded and attempting to protect their soul from more pain. They will hurt us
before we get the chance to hurt them; even if we have no intention nor desire
to harm them.
If our words,
tone or behavior even hint at aggression, they will attack us with vehemence
and even violence. A teenager at the children's home where we lived and worked interpreted
my behavior this way.
She ended
up pushing me out the van door backwards where I landed on my head on the
pavement. I blacked out and revived with dizziness and a pounding headache; so they
rushed me to the emergency room.
I survived
the ordeal, but I often wonder if she did. They put her in the time-out room
and quickly moved her out of our home; so we lost track of her. Her lifetime of
abuse caused her to abuse me.
Another
reason we over-react is that our soul is governed by sin (Romans 7:20-23). We
miss the mark of God's holiness and fall into unregenerate behavior (Romans
8:29). Satan uses this tendency for his purposes.
Our only
hope for freedom from emotional wounds and the penchant of our flesh to sin is
the saving power of Jesus Christ. His Holy Spirit transforms our spirit and
soul through regeneration and sanctification (Titus 3:5). Trust in Him today.
Prayer:
Father
God, we look forward to Christ's return when You shall put everything under His
feet. He will rule and reign over the earth for eternity from the throne in
Jerusalem of His ancestor, King David (2 Samuel 7; Luke 1:32-33, 2:11). Israel
will finally rejoice in the coming of their King Jesus (Matthew 24:8; Romans 11:1-2, 26; Isaiah 66:8; Ezekiel
37).
You will even put Satan away for
eternity, wrapped in chains in hell (Revelations 20:2). We look forward to this
new age. Peace and
prosperity will fill the earth and all nations shall dwell together in unity
and righteousness (Micah 4:1-7; Isaiah 42:1-4). There will be no crying there,
and all emotional and physical sickness shall be healed (Isaiah 51:11).
Thought
for the Day:
Only God
can truly restore and comfort our soul (Psalm 23:3; 2 Corinthians 1:3); then He
allows us to use this same comfort to help others who are in any affliction (2
Corinthians 1:4-5).
