Angry thoughts can storm our mind. Marriage, work, extended family;
every relationship needs mind and heart windshield wipers. If only all of our
encounters could be friendly and encouraging. But we never know when a clap of emotional
thunder will have us on edge.
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photo credit: Seth Anderson
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You and I have several options when we find ourselves in a
whirlwind of opinions, egos and self-defense tactics. God is faithful to direct
your path to bring the peace He intends for all involved. He may lead you to
confront the storm head on. He may invite me to keep my distance. Regardless of
His appointed next step with the other person, He wants both of us to be very
careful to guard our hearts.
Soak Your Soul in these Truths:
Guard your heart above all else, for it
determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT
For from the heart come evil thoughts,
murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. Matthew
15:19 NLT
And "don't sin by letting anger control
you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, Ephesians 4:26
NLT
Windshield Wipers &
Storms
Today we drive through storms to get where we want to go and we use our windshield wipers to see our way through the storm.
Have you practiced using the tools of confession and forgiveness
to see through the emotions that cloud your heart? As windshield wipers cast
down the pouring rain, confessing our sin and asking for forgiveness casts down the imaginations designed
to separate us from God.
Occasionally, I struggle with thoughts that do not honor my
husband. It’s not just me is it? I lose sight of his value because I’m focused
on my expectations. It’s much easier to point out his faults and grumble in my
spirit than to see my own.
Love each other with genuine affection, and
take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10
Ideas like this contaminated our relationship once before. Not
this time! I had learned the hard way that peace comes from a life of
obedience.
And this righteousness will bring peace. Yes,
it will bring quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17
I began to practice confessing to God each thought as it came up. Then I would ask for God’s forgiveness. My side of the
conversation with God would go something like this:
“God, I know that thought about David did not come from you.
Please forgive me for entertaining that idea. I forgive myself and I forgive
David for _________.”
This might take hours of repetition as I battle my own emotions
and self-centered desires. But the act of obedience honors God and keeps the
window of my heart clean.
The next time you find yourself rehearsing the faults of others
remember to turn on the windshield wipers of your mind. Choose to obey God’s
instructions to:
·
honor others
·
confess the sin
·
ask for God’s forgiveness
·
and forgive the other
person.
God’s perspective is there to get you through the storm and on
to victory – His version of victory!
Keep wiping away the temptation to focus on people instead of God.
Peace is for you
and for me. It is a gift of salvation we could be easily miss if we exalt our
own emotions higher than God’s ways.
May we embrace the peace-filled life on
earth Jesus bought for us with his death and resurrection.
Jennifer O. White
Author of Prayers for New Brides: Putting on the Armor
After the Wedding Dress (January 2015)
Website: Prayerfully Speaking
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