Stepping Stones: Revenge Is Too Draining

Transformational Thought

I grew up in a home where negativity and judgment were common, and frequent efforts of emotional manipulation strained my brain. I would get so angry and so much of my energy…physically, emotionally, psychologically…was wasted on dealing with these situations. Fighting back in various ways, trying to understand why and where all these situations were coming from, my attempts to avoid them, a “why me” attitude, all these sucked so much life out of me. Enjoying my childhood was a difficult task for me.

Many of us have people in our lives who have hurt or want to hurt us. It ranges from a few hurtful words, subtle manipulation, to lies, cruelty, vindictiveness, and all the way to physical or sexual abuse. The obvious questions we ask ourselves…”why me?” “how do I make them stop?” “why does someone do that?”

Dealing with such people extracts huge amounts of energy in either trying to defend ourselves or plotting and engaging in possible counter attack and retaliation or “getting even” efforts. Remember, Satan is the real enemy, not the person. They are just getting used, like you are at times, by Satan. Pray for them and be on guard… put on the armor for the real battle.

Today, let God deal with your enemies. We do have a stewardship role and responsibility to address our enemies, but we often go overboard in our mind. God promises to help the persecuted and bring judgment on those who treat others with cruelty. So focus your energy on what is going on in your heart and mind regarding your enemy. If you know someone who is being mistreated, slandered or being attacked by others, send them this devotional. Spread the Word of God to give hope and peace to those in need.

Prayer
Dear Father, I come to You, Father, in need. I have people in my life who are hurting me, trying to do me harm. My anger rages at the injustice of this. My human, natural reaction is for revenge…for getting even. I know this is wrong and against Your Word. I release my enemies into Your care. I pray as David did to “make my enemies be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away.” Help me, Lord, to remember that it is not the opinion of others that I must focus on. Give me strength in the battle against the evil one who wants to use this persecution to pull me away from you, to distort my lenses, and sidetrack me with stinky thinking. Help me see myself through Your eyes. I pray in the name of the one who teaches me to love my enemies, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me. Take up shield and buckler; arise and come to my aid. Brandish spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Say to my soul, "I am your salvation." May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.
Psalm 35:1-6

But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:44