“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.” Proverbs 14:1
We talked quietly over a pot of tea. The frenzied pace she kept was taking a toll on her home. Relationships seemed to be fraying around the edges. God nudged me to share the wise words from Proverbs 14:1 with her. The years have taught me to pay close attention when I feel frenzy creeping into my days.
When we live at a pace that continually drains us, we usually end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration, and impatience can surface all too quickly. God’s Word warns us that we can actually tear down relationships by our own hands and not even be aware of it. A wise person will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.
If the busyness of life has caused your quiet time with God to slip to the sidelines of your life, it won’t be long before you notice the telltale reactions of complaining, negativity, and frustration in your own life and relationships.
Ask God to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart. Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s His great exchange: He will help you build your relationships rather than letting anxious reactions tear them down. You can depend on God to be the source for all your building needs.
Father God, forgive me for the times I tear at my own relationships by my own reactions. Help me to pay attention to what is going on in my heart. Thank You that I can run to You to experience Your great exchange.
When annoyance rises up, I ask for Your love. When my heart is anxious, I ask for Your joy. When worry overcomes me, I pray for Your peace. When impatience rises up within me, I ask for Your patience. When harsh words spill over, please give me Your gentleness. Help me to have Your wisdom as I build my “house.” In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
TAKE ACTION
How is your “house building” these days? Consider what reactions may have been surfacing in you recently. Are you crowding your days too full? Do you need to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart? Honestly evaluate your calendar and your heart and ask God for His wisdom as you build into those relationships closest to you.