“When you squeeze an orange, you’ll always get orange juice to come out. What comes out is what’s inside. The same logic applies to you: when someone squeezes you, puts pressure on you, or says something unflattering or critical, and out of you comes anger, hatred, bitterness, tension, depression, or anxiety, that is what’s inside. If love and joy are what you want to give and receive, change your life by changing what’s inside.” ― Wayne W. Dyer

We can all agree that it has been a challenging year.  Today, many are facing extreme COVID restrictions, which almost reflect what happened in March.  It has been reported that people are fearful, angry, fatigued, or even acting defiant.  

How should we react to tough, stressful, negative situations?  The answer leads us to the next installment of “how to stay calm in the C-R-A-Z-Y” series by discussing the letter Y, You.  It is about you and your choices.

It tells us in Galatians 5:22-23 CEV, “God’s Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled…” We should be exhibiting each of these characteristics in both good and difficult times.  This occurs when we choose to put our faith in God and Jesus Christ  (Part 1) and grow our relationship with them (Part 2).

BUT we were also given a warning in Luke 21:34 TPT, “Be careful that you never allow your hearts to grow cold. Remain passionate and free from anxiety and the worries of this life. Then you will not be caught off guard by what happens…”

Sometimes we can get entangled in acting (or reacting) like those in the “world” that we forget who we are and what we have.  Slowly, we have pulled away from God’s peace, promises, and protection. We find ourselves behaving like we do not know God.      

So, how have you responded over the last few months? What came out of you when you were squeezed? The good news is that we can repent of our behavior/sin and ask for forgiveness. Psalms 51:10-11 ERV says, “Don’t look at my sins.  Erase them all.  God, create a pure heart in me, and make my spirit strong again.” God is so merciful that we can get a reset to get back on track with Him!   

My prayer for each of us is, “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so all will go well with you.” – Deuteronomy 6:18 NLT

Thank you for your time. Be Blessed… LR Maddox
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