Today's Word - February 4, 2020

Try Some Shrug Therapy

Adapted from the resource Love Out Loud - by Joyce Meyer

Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart[a] of fools.

— Ecclesiastes 7:9 (ESV)

There are some things you can control in life—who your friends are, what you eat, and when you go to bed, for example. There are other things you can't control, such as what other people say or the flat tire you got last night. The way you respond to things you can't control helps determine your stress level and your quality of life and health. I have two suggestions about dealing with things you can't control. First, if you can't control them, don't take responsibility for them. And second, I like to say, "Do your best, pray, and let God do the rest!"

People who regularly get upset over small things suffer in many ways. People who shrug them off do much better. Shrugging off certain things doesn't mean you are indifferent; it simply means you've accepted the fact that you can't do anything to change them at that time. The flat tire has already happened. Calling someone to come fix it makes sense; throwing a tantrum and kicking the tire does not. We need to deal appropriately with each stressor as it arises so that we don't end up exploding in frustration over the unavoidable bumps on the road of life.

God works in mysterious ways. You never know when He may use some inconvenience or frustration for your good. He is in control, and if you trust Him to work things out, you'll be able to ride the ups and downs of life with peace, joy, and strength.

Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for helping me live free from frustration. Teach me what it looks like to take life one day at a time. When things happen that I don’t like, help me to stay in control of my emotions, and to trust that You’re working things out. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.