Dear Friends,
In a few days, my second book will be published and ready to purchase around town, and yes, on Amazon. The name has been changed. Stay Tuned. The cover designer made a suggestion, and I loved it! I thought I would share Chapter Nine with you this week.
Declining the Invitation
I was invited to the argument. It was one I didn’t see coming. He took a virtual seat at my table. He actually texted me. He wanted me to join a debate.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)
The wisdom of this scripture reminds me to keep my thoughts to myself and to refrain from saying what my lips and my fingertips want to say. It is easier said than done.
The words I read pushed my buttons. I quickly found the words I wanted to say. Nope, not going to respond. I was so tempted. My words were justified, or so I thought.
I’ve learned that the enemy comes to steal my peace and my joy – if I allow it.
Priscilla Shirer, one of my favorite Bible study teachers, says, “You’ve been letting offense sit at your table like it pays rent.” Can I get an AMEN?
When I am offended and respond defensively, I open the door to anger, frustration, and an ongoing battle. On occasion, I might have said, “You can’t argue with the back end of a donkey.”
Scripture tells me that knowing who God is in my life makes it possible to have peace that passes all understanding. I don’t have to react in anger, defending my thoughts or my position. I can choose my battles.
Sometimes the best reaction is to walk away from a confrontation. When people have no one to argue with, they lose their power. Read that again and maybe highlight it.
Let them be wrong. Let them think whatever they want.
What if they turn others against me? Those who care about me know my heart, and most would defend me. If they don’t, then that’s on them.
The enemy wants to keep my emotions stirred up. The enemy wants me to dwell on the negative, the criticism, and the wrongs done to me.
I believe the enemy wants me to question the whys behind the comments that offend. Why did she say that? Why was she included and not I? Why didn’t she save me a seat?
When I allow offense to sit at my table, I am served bitterness and resentment. The longer I let the offense linger, the harder it is to regain my peace. Negative comments sink me into the quicksand of defeat and hurt.
It is when I stop pedaling with my emotions and coast, knowing who God is in my life, that I can become calm and peaceful.
The enemy aims to distract, divide, and destroy. The enemy recognizes my weaknesses. More than once, while on a walk, I stop and say, “Get thee behind me, satan!” Those words reclaim my power.
When I am emotionally worn down, I get distracted and don’t notice who or what is sitting at my table. The longer the offense sits there, the more power it has over me. Petty offenses escalate into greater aggravations, and anger follows me to bed, keeping me awake as I toss and turn. I wrestle with the covers and with what I should have said. I plan my next conversation.
But oh, there is such beauty when I can hold my tongue, plan no further conversation, and pray that God will deliver me from any evil I might be a part of. This includes the desire to jerk a knot in their tail. No matter what I want to believe, a harsh word serves no purpose.
Photo provided
God’s Word gives me power over any offense, hurtful words, or unfairness. I can choose not to be held hostage by bitterness. I can break free from the chains of others’ opinions. I can rise above the ugly situational quicksand that wants to drown me.
I must keep my mind on who gives me a peace that passes all understanding. I remember the song “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.” God designed me to handle whatever the enemy throws at me. The enemy doesn’t attack what isn’t a threat. My peace and joy are where I find my strength. The enemy knows that, so he finds ways (and people) to ruffle my feathers.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Offense has been asked to leave my table. Anger and retaliation are no longer options. Being easily offended no longer has power over me. Peace and joy have been invited back. They will always be invited to my table.
* * *
What do you think about being invited to an argument and not engaging in it?
What keeps you from speaking your mind when attacked?
Describe a time when you regretted saying something in the heat of the moment.
Janet Hart Leonard can be contacted at janethartleonard@gmail.com or followed on Facebook or Instagram (@janethartleonard). She is the recipient of the Reporter’s Spring 2025 Ink-Stained Wretch award. Visit janethartleonard.com.
Amen! The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy. Not from me!