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We talked over a pot of tea. Together we read these stark words from the Bible …
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1)
The frenzied pace she kept was taking a toll on her home. Life just seemed to be fraying around the edges.
When we live at a pace that continually drains us we end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration and lack of patience can surface all too often. As women we can actually be tearing down relationships by our own hand and not even be aware we are doing so. A wise woman will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.
If your quiet time with God has slipped to the wayside of your life it won’t be long before you notice the tell-tale reactions of complaining, negativity and frustration in your life and relationships.
Ask God to come in a fresh way into your life to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart. Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your relationships. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.
– Exchange your weakness for His strength.
– Your unhappy heart for His joy.
– Your annoyance with His love.
– Your anxiety with His peace.
– Your impatience for His patience.
– Your complaining for His contentment.
– Your harsh attitude for His gentleness.
Father in Heaven, Today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that can tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers me. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Question: If your life feels harried these days, what’s causing all the stress?
About this Author: Gail Rodgers
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, How Knowledge Strengthens You, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
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beeing happy and beeing content is more a matter of choice than of having “the feeling”. When we are down, unhappy, and feel harried, God is our only source to turn to. If we reflect on Who He is and all that He’s done for us we have no reason to feel anything but blessed. Of course knowing that is not going to change our feelings in an instant. But if you choose to be content, happy, loved etc you’r half way there
This devotional is not only something i needed, but my niece in Atlanta,Ga needs guidance thru some very trying times and this is the confirmation of what God gave me to say to her. I didn’t even realize that i needed to hear it also. Thank you
I will have to be honest and say the Lord is really dealing with me in most of these areas. I received a prophectic message from the Lod on Sunday. Wow…. it was pretty powerful. He said he wants to restore to me the Fruits of the Spirit. It was just what I needed to hear. I left feeling as if the world was lifted from my shoulders. I have a almost 10 yr old and a almost 6 month both are boys and my oldest has been really pshing my buttons and I felt like I couldn’t even look at hom because I was so angry with him. I thank God everyday that he is my strength and my hope. I know He will get me through these tough times. I am looking forward to what God is going to do in our family. This is just what I needed the hear this morning! Praise God, His timing is always perfect. Amen….
This is so true; I find that it is so easy for me to slip into the negative….. AMEN for the honest truth (with solutions to apply)
I agree with all that this was a timely devotional today, Gail. Just this morning, I made sure I made time for the Lord and in reading his word. I have been very stressed lately about my husband’s job situation and decisions that had to be made. I noticed as I was driving to work, that I was not feeling stressed and thought immediately that it must have been the time I spent in prayer with the Lord. Lately, the Lord has been putting it on my heart that I need to be more careful with my words. I mean well in what I say to family members. I just want the best for them. But I need to reflect first and be more careful in how I say things. Otherwise, the people I care for do not hear the message, just the words, which to them sound negative or harsh. Thanks Gail for all of your timely devotions.
Thanks Gail for the timely reminder that we need to stop and reevaluate our lives and see what kind of fruit we are producing!!
Hi you all! I’ve been pondering this one; Gail asks what is making us feel hairied? The quick response is the economy and my husband no longer having a job [as many of your know I’m disabled]. BUT the true response is: taking my eyes off Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith.
thank you
gail, thank you for the devotional. sometimes it can be the silliest of things that will turn a serene, peaceful day into a harried one.
Andi, ”Bravo” for those most astute words. i’m sure many of us have a list an arm’s length as to what ‘harried’ is doing to us at any particular moment of any day. I love what you write here, ”BUT the true response is: taking my eyes of Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith”. thank you for bringing me back to the only reality that matters: the Lord our God, Amen