Serenity Saturday Who Pushes My Button?
Saturday July 23, 2016
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 NIV)
How often have we found ourselves in conversation with someone and a remark is made that “pushes our button”? The next thing we know, there is a stream of bitter words flowing from somewhere inside us. The volume of our voice increases, or we go silent and distance ourselves a bit. When something like this happens we need to consider the cause. We are obviously not at peace with something inside us and whatever the cause may be, it needs to be brought to the light so that we can be healed.
“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10 NIV)
We live in an angry world around people who are sensitive and easily upset. Both in addiction and in daily life in recovery we can experience physical and emotional pain that results from other’s harsh words or actions. When someone “pushes our button” God’s invitation is to take the problem first to Him. God will release us from the inner turmoil we are experiencing and bring peace to our souls. We can then take the appropriate action in the situation. We need to ask God for the courage to speak quietly with the other person to help sort out what went wrong. The result may be to simply “live and let live” or it may require that we establish healthy boundaries with that person.
Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. (Hebrews 12:14-15 MSG)
God is faithful! When unkind people cause pain or distraction in our lives God’s word and His promise of peace will bring encouragement to us.
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