PLEASE STAY CALM!
PLEASE STAY CALM!
This morning, I woke up with these words on my lips. “A soft answer turns away wrath.” I knew this was a bible verse but was not sure where about it was. Before checking it out I promptly picked up my phone and quickly did a voice note to myself about what the Holy Spirit had dropped in my mind.
You see, yesterday was a very hectic day for me. I had left home a little later than usual and had driven all the way to work in very heavy traffic. As if that was not enough, I made a mistake in an amount I was trying to transfer to a supplier and had to go physically to the bank to sort it out.
Back at the atelier where we do our ready to wear and tailoring services, it was quite a busy day as well. By the time we locked up and got ready to go home it was late and we landed smack bang into the rush hour traffic. I got home exhausted and by the time I was getting to bed I had absolutely no idea what I was going to write in the article today. So I prayed like this: “ABBA, I have no idea what you want me to tell your children in the article tomorrow and I did not ask my APIJ (the Revolutionary Righter) if she had anything prepared. Lord, please help me.” And I drifted off to sleep.
When I woke up with those words this morning, I knew God had answered my prayers.
The times we are in are just like never seen before. There is so much tension in the land. There is also fear, insecurity and hunger. People are very sensitive right now and so we must be careful how we approach others, how we speak to or address them.
I was talking with a young man whom I have known for more than twenty years. But for some time now, about a year and half ago, it appeared that he was dealing with some personal issues. He became generally slow and as this became more pronounced, I found myself always getting impatient with him. I would sometimes raise my voice at him when he did the wrong thing and he would just cower away and probably still not do it the right way.
A little while ago however, I was reminded that love covers a multitude of sins. I was also led to stop raising my voice at him and to start speaking softly and patiently to him.
Amazingly, the response was instantaneous. His speech became clear when he spoke and this has been happening now for some time. He is slowly getting out of his lethargy. I felt glad that this was happening but still felt bad at the fact that I had contributed to his past agony and problems whenever I raised my voice at him then.
This reminded me of how two people I know also stopped talking to each other because they refused to hear each other out and understand each other. This led to anger and that relationship went on the line.
Dear friends, we have to come to terms with the truth that only God can really help us. Know this, believe this with all your heart and commit any issues into His hands and you will have lasting peace. God will surely help. He is an ever present help in the time of need.
If God is the only help we really have, then we must befriend Him seriously and intimately. The best way to do this is to study the Word of God. Make that a priority. When this happens, every negative emotion that brings out bad behaviour in us will flee. We will do away with anger, resentment, bitterness, envy and all other things that add no value whatsoever.
When we know the truth of God’s Word, we can be calm in the midst of any storm rather than lash out at others unnecessarily.
The bible says: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. “ Proverbs 15: 1 English Standard Version.
Let us know that whenever we get impatient with our spouse, our children, domestic staff, colleagues, friends or fellow parishioners, we are creating room for the devil to bring in anger which can lead to the destruction of beautiful things.
Yes I know someone hurt you with their conduct and with their words but if you allow yourself to dwell on that, you will be more hurt by harboring anger or resentment towards them. And remaining angry is a very dangerous and unwise thing to do. “For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.” Job 5:2 KJV
Let us therfore be patient with one another.
Let nice and encouraging words be close to our lips.
“Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting, and you should know to give the right answer to everyone.” Colossians 4:6 Good News Translation
Let us smile more.
Let us ask God to help us Stay Calm in all situations.
PLEASE STAY CALM!
OLUYINKA EGO-MARTINS©