Calm Under Pressure

Proverbs 12:16 AMP
“The [arrogant] fool’s anger is quickly known [because he lacks self-control and common sense], But a prudent man ignores an insult.”

It is not easy dealing with difficult people. God knows that we have many in our lives and there is no shortage of them, neither will difficult situations ever go away this side of heaven.

So, what do we do? We first have to make a decision every time a situation gets tough, or a person becomes difficult. We can react like the foolish do and lash out at people, and sound foolish, or we could take the high road. Ignoring an insult is difficult for anybody, but we are not just anybody, we are children of the Most High God.

How many times have we turned our backs on God, not physically but times when we did not follow His leading, times when we did not follow His voice or obey His word? Is that not an insult to God? What does He do in return? He stays with us, keeps speaking to us, he keeps opening up His word to us, He draws us with His Spirit.

Jesus said, “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:28-29)

Peter said, “Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.”

Listen to the promise, “bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” Bless difficult people, and you will receive a blessing. Or you could do the opposite, you could curse those who curse you, and be no better than they are. Then we will lose out on a blessing. Take the High Road, do what Jesus is asking us to do. Dare to be different from the world’s standards.

Prayer:
Lord, I want to be more like You. I want to be different from the standards of the world. I do not want to pay evil for evil or reviling for reviling. Guard my attitude, guard my heart and guard my words and actions. In Your name Masterful Savior, Amen!