Action or Reaction?
Are you squirming in bed thoroughly ashamed of yourself over the way you've behaved today? Perhaps you've "gotten even" with someone, returned an insult for an insult, or spent the day planning, "If so-and-so does this to me, I'll do this to her." Did someone's treatment of you determine not only your reaction but your conduct for the day?
It is understandable how this happened, but as one brother put it, "The best revenge on an enemy is not to be like him." So, instead of letting your sleep be disturbed over the way you reacted, repent of your overreaction and rest in the assurance that you can be an overcomer tomorrow.
How? Ask the Lord to forgive today's rash actions and as you close your eyes, fill your mind with the picture of how God wants you to act (instead of react) from now on. Let the seed of His Word stir your spirit as you hear Him say, "Never return evil for evil or insult for insult - scolding, tongue-lashing, berating; but on the contrary blessing - praying for their welfare, happiness and protection, and truly pitying and loving them. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing (from God)...bringing welfare and happiness and protection" (1 Peter 3:9, AMP).
To think that you can inherit a blessing from God merely by responding in the right way to people who hurt you is an incredible truth, and one that guarantees a good night's sleep!
God loves you and wants to answer your prayer. Say this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father, I thank you that He Who is in me is greater than he who is in the world! Forgive my wrong reactions and help me to be yielded and obedient to Your Spirit so that from now on I will not repay evil with evil but overcome evil with good. Instead of being ruled by other people's reaction to me, let me be a light for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
