We can all become strung out and upset, which leads to us not always being fully in control of our emotions. However, it’s important not to allow the circumstances we may be facing to cause us to lash out at innocent people.
Instead, pause and understand that when you are “losing it” over things that there will usually be underlying, unresolved issues festering that you would be wise to examine. Because the longer you leave issues “festering”, the yuckier they get and the more annoying you can be to others.
God’s best for you is that you have peace and rest in your life and that you are known as someone who treats others with kindness and consideration. There is a way to get things done, but you don’t need to be awful and rude in the process.
Here are some thoughts to help you stop reacting with those outbursts that only harm yourself and those you lash out at.
1. Take a good look at yourself – Stop and ask, “Why am I reacting in this situation? How am I feeling, and has something happened recently that I need to process and work through?
In other words, deal with your stuff and get some help if you need to.
2. Morning pages – Write down three pages of whatever is on your mind first thing in the morning. You’ll be surprised what practicing this simple technique will reveal is going on in your heart and mind and how often God has been speaking every day to help and guide you.
3. Quiet time with Jesus – Spending time with Jesus and allowing His word to wash through your heart and mind helps keep your life in balance. The Holy Spirit reveals your heart to you and shines a spotlight on anything you might have missed or pushed aside.
4. “Is there anything you want to say, Jesus?” –When your inner world is in an angry, stressed muddle, ask, “Is there anything Jesus you need to speak to me about? “Is my heart and conscience bothered and trying to tell me anything?”
If Jesus is speaking about something in particular or your conscience is bothering you, then acknowledge it, admit if you have done something wrong, and bring it to Jesus and ask for His forgiveness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:19)
5. Do something fun and relax – When you are relaxed, you will think and process better, gain perspective about what matters in life, and find it easier to not “sweat the small stuff” so much.
6. Sit down and talk –There is something about sitting down and having a good heart to heart with people who love and care about you that is vital for healthy lives and relationships. When you don’t do that, or others don’t take the time with you, a whole world of trouble can erupt.
It’s why it’s worth taking the time to build “heart to heart connections” with those in your world. Plus, when you or someone else is reacting or “losing it”, but you’ve taken the time to build strong heart connections, you can usually work through things a lot quicker.
Jesus knows that our lives are going to involve circumstances that may pressure and even annoy us. But He has a way to do life that enables us to live beyond the realms of how the world operates. (Galatians 5:16) The key is listening to Him and having the wisdom to stop and check how we are regularly going.
Make a decision today to be aware of what God is saying to you, and be self and others aware too. If you are reacting, assess why? If others are “acting out” around you, don’t react negatively. Perhaps find some time to have a “heart to heart” and discover what is really going on so peace can return to your world.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Prayer: Lord, help me be more aware of my inner world and hear when you speak to me. I don’t want to go through life reacting and “losing it”. Forgive me where I have been doing that, and help me live a more peace-filled, joyful life. In Jesus Name Amen.
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