A Reasoned Response

Most of my answers are soft (Proverbs 15:1); however, my life was filled with people who took me for granted and ignored me unless I YELLED and unleashed the full fury of my Italian wrath every once in a while.

I always wanted to have a sweet response when someone stepped on my last nerve, or yanked my chain one too many times, but people tended not to take me seriously unless I yelled.

Therefore, when the people in my life changed, I had to practice giving soft answers, to practice choosing to give a reasoned response, rather than letting my emotions build within me until I simply exploded (Psalm 116:7).

In the ensuing years, God allowed my children to grow up into responsible adults who live in their own homes. He also gave me a husband who nurtures and cherishes me.

God helped me to understand that I do not need wrath to get my point across. All I need to do is to quietly say, "I really want you to take me seriously, and listen to what I am saying."

Our authority is in Christ, not in our self or the intensity of our words. In Christ, quietness is our confidence and strength (Isaiah 30:15, 32:17). When two people disagree, they can always find a compromise.

When we speak with God's authority instead of our own, people listen. We get the person's attention, share our needs and then relax in quietness and confidence that the Lord will fight for us, as we wait on Him (Exodus 14:14).

We can trust that God already placed the seed for a miracle in every trial, which we will ever encounter. If we water this seed with faith, patience and confidence in God's faithfulness, a beautiful plant of blessing will grow.

Prayer:
Father God, remind us that Satan battles for our soul through our mind, choices and emotions. He knows he already lost our spirit to You, but he wants to destroy our soul, and our witness for You (Proverbs 34:13). Help us to choose to step out of our self-effort and into Your authority by the guidance of Your Spirit (Proverbs 16:23; Isaiah 45:22).

Wounds from our past and ever-occurring wounds in our present life - being belittled, discounted, deprived emotionally or physically, abandoned, insecure and frightened in our heart - will manifest in our words.

Yet, as we trust You, You help us to heal from our wounds. We will dwell in security and rest (Isaiah 32:18). May our thoughts and words be pleasing to You as we rely on You as our rock and Redeemer (Psalm 20:14).  

Thought for the Day:

As God heals the wounds in our soul, as we relinquish our pet peeves and idols to Him, as we surrender control of our life to Him and realize that nothing can happen to us that is not already part of His plan for us (Isaiah 7:4), then we can think and speak quiet, confident thoughts rather than broiling negative emotions.

Negative Emotions Unleashed

Our normal daily order in life is often disturbed by unexpected incidents, which may touch a sore spot deep within our subconscious mind. The unanticipated moment triggers negative emotions from our past, which are stored in our subconscious mind. They cause us to either over-react or to withdraw to nurse our wounds.

These dormant, negative emotions boil like a pot on the back burner of the stove. Sometimes, they will boil over the edge, often when we least expect it. People think we are crazy for getting upset over such a simple issue, but our reaction is actually stirred by years of pent up sentiments and fueled by a similar painful experience.

These feelings may continue to boil over until our soul is empty. Then we burn up from the inside out. False accusations, or being ignored or some misunderstanding may cause us to feel bitter, especially if this issue is never resolved. Bitterness is spiritual poison and defiles our whole life, which affects everything we do and everyone to whom we relate (Hebrews 12:15).

Bitterness sets us up for a snowball of negative emotions, which may eventually freeze out the people whom we love the most. We are usually kind, gentle and loving people; but the painful experiences of our past are whittling away at our inner strength and peace. Due to these subterranean emotions, we over-react negatively toward all further hurt.

The only cure for this vicious cycle is to go to God and to sit quietly in His presence as He reveals to us the root and origin of our negative emotions. He will reveal and heal the wounds in our soul and give us His peace and mercy (Lamentations 3:23). He will give us His joy and strength to face the adversity of life.

Prayer:

Father God, teach us to rely on You and to stop attempting to meet life's challenges alone. Thank You for being our strong tower and for allowing us to run to You in times of adversity. You always keep us safe (Proverbs 18:10). Help us to forgive those who sin against us, just as You forgave us for sinning against You (Luke 11:4). Thank You for speaking Your truth to us about the underlying causes of our resentment and anger.

Thought for the Day:

A lifelong accumulation of emotional pain, humiliation, fear and false shame affects us every day of our life, until we allow God to speak His truth and to dispel the lies, which Satan planted in those memories.

To find freedom from your past read these three free chapters: http://theophostic.com/page13051343.aspx

I will be glad to pray with you for healing of past wounds.