As a reminder: the reactions of the flesh profit nothing.

Outbursts of anger, frustration, and the like, are all just weaknesses of our soul. The Bible gives us clear instructions concerning them: “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14-15).

I remember a time I was super mad and frustrated over a situation. In my heart, I stood in that doorway about to go all the way in when the Holy Spirit said, “You don’t have to go there.”

Thank you Holy Spirit.

A few moments after He nudged my heart, I got in my car to go take care of something that seemed inconvenient. As I drove, I let this verse do the talking. My mind wanted to justify my pouty behavior but my spirit said, “Avoid it.”

The word avoid can mean to keep away from, clear of, or shun. But I think the secondary definition is more fitting: to prevent from happening (as in, to avoid falling). The enemy loves (I repeat LOVES) to set traps for us.

“Avoid it.” It’s as simple as that.

Instead of falling in to the enemy’s trap of pity, anger, or wrong behavior, just tell your emotions, “No– we’re not traveling down that road right now (or ever). I am purposefully choosing to turn away from it and pass on.”

The choice will always be ours.

As much as I wish there was a spiritual shock collar that could jolt me back into reality when I’m suddenly agitated, there isn’t (and I might be glad actually). But in all seriousness, you and I get to choose our response. We can select from a number of possibilities– tell people off, pout, give them the silent treatment, roll our eyes, or forgive, and recognize you may just be tired and this isn’t worth losing peace over.

The Bible instructs us to “…let the peace of God rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15).

The first keyword is LET (there’s that choice again). The second keyword is rule. It means umpire. In baseball, when the batter meets an opponent at home plate and the umpire makes the call of safe or out, this is how you and I have to let (allow) the peace of God make the call.

Whereas our flesh wants to argue and mull over the events that are triggering us, the Holy Spirit will show us the correct direction to take. He will lead you toward peace (if you’ll listen and follow Him). 

When I chose God’s peace over my unwanted agitation, my heart took a deep breath and all was good in the world again. But it didn’t end there because I had to follow through and keep walking in His peace.

And this is the greater lesson for us because there will always be opportunities to get angry and justify our agitations. But as a child of God, filled with His Spirit, our reaction either reveals our trust in Christ and His ways, or our lack of.

The correct response is to, on purpose, be kind, smile, and allow the peace of God to fill and guide your heart.

I pray this helps you. The next time you find yourself tempted to respond in an ugly manner, remember these words: You don’t have to go there.