One of the best pieces of advice I got from my mom was to analyze the things that bother me and ask myself this simple question: What is it that is really bothering you? So often, it’s easy to lay the blame at the feet of those who are not the culprit at all. “These kids are really getting to me!” “If that husband of mine were more aware!” “My in-laws are driving me crazy!” If we build our emotions on generalities, we’re sure to get a bonfire roaring out of control in our souls that even the nicest gestures, the kindest mercies, the greatest blessings can hardly soothe.
My husband was telling me about a woman who had a dream that her husband was acting horribly. It was simply a dream, but the woman woke up livid. The husband was at his wit’s end trying to cajole her. Nick and I both chuckled. But isn’t that how it is sometimes in real life with our imaginations and emotions?
It’s something all of us know, but do this. Next time something bothers you – really bothers you – before doing anything else – will you write it out on paper in one sentence what that thing is? If you don’t have a paper, can you pretend to dictate in one sentence what that one thing is?
And then, can you do this: Can you take that one thing and go to the Lord first before going to anyone else? Don’t even tell your husband. Just tell Jesus. Then here’s the main thing - WAIT for a while in His presence until He “comforts your soul”? (Ps. 23) So many times I have been blessed by the Holy Spirit in moments when I have been so upset. You would think that He would say, “Now, now. That’s not the way to respond. Get your act together, then we’ll talk.” But the truth is we have an Advocate with the Father in Jesus. A human heart beats for us in Heaven. He’s fully aware of us – in fact, so MUCH, He provided provision for our comfort in the Holy Spirit before we were aware of Him. When He comforts you or gives direction, whatever you do, don’t discount it! He may say, “Go take a shower”, “Take a nap”, “Get outside”, “It will be O.K.” – whatever it is, it will be the perfect remedy for the moment. When the next moment comes, He’ll be there for comfort too. You have such a wise and wonderful Savior!
Doing these things makes up the art of putting your emotions under the control of the Holy Spirit. And what a wonderful, calming place to have them! Many women can’t do it, but it’s not for lack of knowledge, it’s for lack of practice. I’ve seen many women exceptionally skilled at directing problems to their husbands. A salesman will knock on the door selling Kirby vacuums. These women are careful to open the door only a crack and direct them away from their houses by rehearsing something their husband has said. “Oh, I usually leave decisions like this to my husband, and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t be interested.” Yet, over and over, we open the door of our souls WIDE open to lies and speculation. We invite them in, visit with them a while, and rehearse nothing about what our Husband in Christ has said.
What is bothering you? In one sentence. What has the Lord told you as comfort to your soul. Find out and find peace that passes all understanding. Nothing shakes God. Nothing shakes His rhema word to you. Arm yourself your both, you’ll be unshakeable too!
~Kristine Lancette
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