A couple of weeks ago, I said to a friend (about someone who had disappointed me), “She makes me so unhappy!” I stewed for an hour over the incident—replaying every word and reaction. But later as I felt my sense of the presence of God quietly disappearing, the Spirit spoke to my soul: “Who really has the power to steal your joy?”
The truth is—no one can MAKE me unhappy. Feeling grumpy or frustrated is my choice. People might stir the pot, but they don’t get to rule my peace—unless I let them.
So how do we stop allowing people to control our emotions and steal our joy?
God is teaching me something powerful: people don’t rattle me nearly as much when I am centered in His presence and living life from His perspective. The more I see my life and the life of others through God’s eternal lens, the less I get derailed by temporary irritations. When someone disturbs my peace, it’s usually because I’ve made myself the center of my story.
Paul reminds us:
“We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair… Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day… For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” -2 Corinthians 4:8, 16, 18 (NKJV)
When God is our center, life finally makes sense. Other people’s offenses are like dents in a car—not direct hits to the soul. Our body and mind are temporary vehicles. But our born-again soul and spirit? That’s eternal. Peter wrote:
“Having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever.” 1 Peter 1:23 (NKJV)
A person ruled by self thinks the “car” is all there is. So every ding, every insult, every disappointment becomes a crisis. But when our eyes are fixed on what’s eternal, the small stuff stays small.
My friend, don’t waste your life obsessing over damage to something that will end up in the junkyard.
When God controls our thoughts, no circumstance can knock us out—because no one can KO Him! But if we live focused on self, we’re on a rollercoaster of emotion: one harsh word sends us into a spiral.
We don’t have to live like that; we were created for so much more!
When I feel myself slipping into anger or discouragement, it’s a sign: I’ve lost focus. That’s when I ask God to help me refocus, hit the gas, and get back on point. He has eternal work for us to do.
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13 (NKJV)
Today’s Challenge:
Think about the last time someone “made you unhappy.” Ask yourself: Did I choose a temporary reaction—or respond from an eternal perspective? Today, when someone irritates you, pause and pray: “God, help me respond with Your peace, not my pride.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me stop giving people power over my peace. Remind me that my joy comes from You—not circumstances or approval. Refocus my mind on what matters most: eternity with You. I choose today to live in Your liberty and respond with Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
