Pushing Buttons

Written by Linda McCutcheon

Are you in a panic mode? We would love to talk with you and pray with you.

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Our technological world is one of instant answers with the push of a button. Life also affords us the opportunity to choose our internal “button pushing” responses. Whatever circumstance you find yourself in today will allow you a choice of what button to push. Your choice will affect the outcome. Can you identify with each of these buttons in life?

1. Panic Button
I am sure you have experienced being in a parking lot when someone has accidentally hit the panic button of their vehicle. It is a head turner. If you are like me, I have found myself hitting the panic button of life’s situation more times that I care to recall. It is those panic-mode situations that cause stress and make our thought process look like something in a blender. In the Bible, Jacob fled because he stole his brother’s birthright; Peter denied he knew Jesus and left, and Adam and Eve hid when they disobeyed God. During times of panic, we sometimes have difficulty processing what is Truth and that is when problems begin. Timothy wrote, ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.’ (2 Timothy 1:7) When panic strikes, we then need to take our hands off the panic button and breathe! Let God take that situation from you. Ask Him for His wisdom, His comfort, and His next step. Then, hit the….

2. Reset Button
Take a step back. Reset your life. Take stock in what just happened and begin your journey again with God as the driver.

“…but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to Him” (Romans 12:2b). Hitting this button will place things into perspective. It is not the time to hit the escape button, but face life head on. This is the moment to make a definite effort to start again. Reset and remember ‘Whose’ you are. The Apostle Paul had his reset button pushed through various circumstances and look at what God allowed him to accomplish. So, hit this button then get ready to push the….

3. Default Button

Make the default button in your life, God! Let Him be the one who controls your thought pattern.

Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8).

Without a doubt, we will face situations where panic is inevitable. That is life. For some, it may mean hitting the default button numerous times a day or week. Fill your mind with God’s Word. Let those verses of promise and comfort fill your mind so that when panic does strike, you can claim His promises. I have repeated those to myself many times and it gives me great comfort. God is still on the Throne…how amazing!

Pushing buttons is a part of our lives just like breathing. I encourage you to take your finger off the panic button, reset it, and let God be your default button today. Rejoice in the fact that God is your answer; He is the one who help you get your life back on track. What button will you choose to hit today?

Father God, I praise You for being my Default Button. You are so patient. When situations cross my path, I pray that I will have the courage, from You, to hit the Default Button and claim Your help. For this, I truly thank You. In Your Power, Amen.

Questions: Are you prone to press the panic button as a reaction to your circumstances? What do you need to “reset” today and “default” to God?

About the Author Linda Goodhand Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, When you Speak, God Hears, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Tags: accomplish, Apostle Paul, buttons, circumstances, comfort, default, mode, panic, promise, reset, technological

6 Responses to “Pushing Buttons”

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Linda Goodhand Rodgers says:

March 31, 2009 at 11:48 am

You ladies are victorious in your walk as you are all trying to hit the default button of life. High five to you as you begin each day and then rest your head at night. You are right…We are not alone!…we have a big God and friends who encourage us along the way. Thanks for sharing your passionate hearts to hit the correct button. Blessings to all of you! Linda Goodhand Rodgers
kanj says:

March 29, 2009 at 5:42 pm

Linda, what you said; ”you are not alone”—I’d heard it say many times before. today i not only hear it in my heart, I feel it, I believe it. No, I am not alone–anymore!
I choose the default button as I had worn out the panic button. Praise be to God.
Mugs says:

March 26, 2009 at 1:03 pm

Thanks for the devotional! I went to put on a comment about buttons and the hydro went out! I thank the Lord for his help when I want to push the panic button!
Linda Goodhand Rodgers says:

March 26, 2009 at 5:09 am

You are not alone. We all face ‘life’ with its frustrations despite our trying so hard to work at doing our best. I am so thankful for our Default Button that is so happy to help us process our life. God not only is happy, He is excited to help us. Go in God’s strength and His encouragement today. Linda Goodhand Rodgers
Susan says:

March 25, 2009 at 6:29 pm

Wow. This sure took me back. I came home from work today, very frustrated with circumstances at work and ready to give someone a piece of my mind and maybe even quit. But I tried to gather myself together and get to church, praying all the way to God, trying to make some sense of the day and justifying my own decisions and actions. The frustration of my day continued at rehearsal and I still felt I needed to vent, someone to listen. I needed to hit the reset button, bad.
Thank God that He is our Default button. Oh, how I need Him, for my every thought, for every action, every decision, every response, for everything at all times and all places and all circumstances. This reminder couldn’t have come at a more needful time for me. I praise the Lord for these devotionals, especially tonight.
sharon b says:

March 25, 2009 at 1:13 pm

yeah seems like lately i press the pantic button a lot