EXCHANGE RESENTMENT FOR CONTENTMENT –

David learned a lot by letting his anger and vexation go before they took root in his heart. He knew that a calm mind does more good in ten minutes than a raging mind does in ten hours. Too often when an argument or conflict erupts, people start trying to undo what started it in the first place, while they’re simultaneously attempting to figure out how the avoid the same thing in the future. Rather than frustrate ourselves during those moments, simple choose the option that best fits the situation. But most of all trust God to do His part so you won’t end up trying to do it all for Him.

“Be patient, let God deal with those who upset you; and don’t become frustrated when they always seem to have an advantage. People like that soon run out of motivation and drop like autumn leaves. Show the LORD Eternal that you trust Him completely by going on and doing what’s right; relax and be content with what you already have. Be thankful that you are one of the LORD’s favorites and He will see to it that all the things you really want will be yours. If you really trust the LORD and let Him handle things, He’ll work things out for your good. Believe me, He will make sure that by living right you will be a light to others, and the way you handle things will be a beacon for others to follow. So be patient and wait for the LORD Eternal to act, don’t become frustrated over those who get by and become successful by scheming and dishonesty. Again, don’t let anger and frustrations get you down, it will only end up hurting your own progress. I’m telling you, these spiteful people will end up losing everything, and when you go by their house you’ll say, ‘That’s where they use to live’. God promised that the humble will inherit the earth, and those who have an appetite and thirst to do what’s right will enjoy prosperity.” Psalm 37:7-11

Reflection: A store owner in a small town had identical twin sons. They worked for their father in the store until he died, then they took over. Everything went well until one of the twins left a dollar bill on the cash register to walk outside for a second. When he returned, the money was gone. “Did you see that dollar bill on the cash register?” he asked his twin. The twin replied, “No I didn’t.” But his twin brother kept questioning and would not stop. “Surely you must have seen it!” the brother pressured his twin. Tempers rose. Resentment set in. Before long, a bitter chasm divided the twins. They decided they could no longer work together. Since the co-owned the store, they built a wall down the center of the store space, with each one having their own entrance. For 20 years hostility and bitterness simmered, spreading to their families and the community. One day a man from out of state came in. He asked the man behind the counter, “How long have you been here?” The man replied, “All my life.” The customer went on, “Twenty years ago I was a hobo and rode into town in a boxcar. I hadn’t eaten for three days. I snuck into this store from the back to steal some food and saw a dollar bill on the cash register. I put it in my pocket and walked out. All these years I haven’t been able to forget that. I know it wasn’t much, but I had to come back and ask forgiveness.” The stranger saw tears well up in the eyes of this middle-aged man. “Would you please go over to the store next door and tell that same story to the man there?” the twin brother said. After doing so, the stranger was amazed to see these two middle-aged men embrace and weep in front of the store. So often it’s little things that divide people – words spoken in haste; hurried criticisms; and unfounded accusations. Once divided, they may never come together again. David offers a solution; let go and let God provide the answer. Refuse to carry bitterness around so you can regain the energy needed for building bonds with those you love.