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, a stream of bitter words flows 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 clearly not at peace with something inside us and whatever that is 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 with people who are sensitive and easily upset. Both in addiction and in recovery we can experience physical and emotional pain that results from someone’s harshness. When someone “pushes our button” God’s invitation is to take the problem first to Him. God will calm the inner turmoil we are experiencing and bring peace to our souls. We can then take the appropriate action for the situation. Perhaps we need to ask God for the courage to speak quietly with the other person to help sort out what went wrong. Our action may be to simply “live and let live” or we may need to 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)
Prayer: Almighty God, To You all hearts are open, I ask that You reveal the source of my anger when certain situations arise, and someone pushes my button. Please heal me of any underlying root of bitterness that may be lurking in my soul and fill me with Your joy and peace. Amen
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