I’m learning that I don’t need to attend every negative party I’m invited to. Actually, I’m learning that I don’t even like these type of ‘parties’ anymore. By ‘party’ I mean, discussion. I’m learning that if it’s not helping to make me a better person, its best that I don’t get involved. I don’t want my day to be consumed by a feeling of anger over someone else’s behavior. Before, I could easily get suckered into someone’s negative thinking, and don’t get me wrong, because sometimes I’m doing the sucking in of others as well. Now, unless I’m trying to resolve a situation, why bother making a mountain over a mole hill for myself and others. I’m learning that God will take care of what He needs to take care of, and all I have to do is be still and watch the process.
Proverbs 10:19 states ‘when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise’. I’m not sure I’m wise yet, but I’ve always prayed for wisdoms for myself, and learning to hold my tongue and practicing ‘the pause’ has been my most powerful weapon against getting easily angered.
There are other times that I disengage myself from conversations as well, and it doesn’t need to be negative. It can simply be that I don’t want to allow those thoughts to enter my mind. I know what will get my mind racing down certain paths, and I also know that it will do me no good except to cause me to be anxious about situations that I have no control over, so I’m learning to walk away from conversations that don’t serve to edify me.
Please don’t get me wrong, I love a good laugh but if the topic makes me uncomfortable, I’m learning to think twice. Proverbs 23:7 KJV says ‘for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he’ and Proverbs 22:24-25 states ‘do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get easily ensnared’. I’m learning to hold my tongue and pause before speaking. I know I can be hot tempered or allow myself to get caught up in the moment and say words that I will regret. I learned a long time ago that while you can apologize for words spoken in anger, you can never take away the hurt that you’ve caused the other person. Next time you are tempted to say something in anger, be still, and practice a pause. You might be saving someone’s feelings or even your own.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Heavenly wisdom. Help us to stop and consider our words and actions before they come out of our mouths or before we do them. Help us to identify the source of where they are coming from, are we speaking the truth in love? Or are we just trying to get back at someone? Help us to consider our motives before we act or react. Lord, please also teach us that not every action from someone else deserves a reaction from us. Help us to take a deep breath and simply walk away from unhealthy situations.