One minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-21, Acts 12:1-23, Psalm 136:1-26, Proverbs 17:14-15
Daily Verse: “The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” Prov. 17:14
Controlled strife.
The Hoover Dam holds back the water from nearby Lake Meade. If it developed a leak and broke, experts predict the water would cover approximately 10 million acres, about a foot deep. To prevent the dam from bursting, spillways stop the water from rising and overflowing. Bathtubs and sinks have spillways, the hole at the top that doesn’t allow them to overflow.
In the same way, if we choose our battles wisely, we’ll stop the dam of emotions from bursting and causing catastrophic damage to our relationships. Some fights don’t need fighting. When headed down the wrong path, stop before an argument starts. Walk away, if necessary, but don’t let an emotional moment cause irreparable damage.
Play out the scenario in your mind before saying the words. Ask yourself, “Is it worth the fight?” We have control over our thoughts and emotions. Stopping a fight before it starts controls strife in our lives and allows us to live peacefully with others.
Pick your battles wisely. Control the strife in your life.
Lord, forgive us brash words that unleash unhealthy dams of emotions. Please give us the wisdom to choose our battles and stop the strife before it happens. Bless us with self-control to manage our thoughts and emotions. IJNIP. Amen
