When I’m feeling off my game

It’s a spiritual fact: every time I am really either bothered by or overly sensitive to stuff happening around me, it usually points to something unsettled inside me. I didn’t always see it that way. For years, I thought my anger, fear or resentment was about them - the people who disrespected me, disappointed me or failed to meet my expectations. But recovery is teaching me that my reactions often say more about my inner condition than my outward circumstances.

I’ve had times where almost identical situations happened, yet my reactions were completely different. The only thing that changed was the condition of my heart. When I am trying living and walking in the Spirit, I can respond with peace. When I am ruled by the flesh, I react with pride, panic or bitterness. The real difference isn’t n the particular event - it’s in me.

The Bible says it plainly: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 NIV

That means my inner life matters most. My feelings don’t ultimately come from my outward circumstances, they flow from what’s happening inside of me.

When my spiritual condition is aligned with God - through prayer, confession and surrender - I don’t react instinctively or recklessly - I respond prayerfully and thoughtfully in ways that build peace instead of break it. But when I drift from God, the smallest inconvenience feels like a MAJOR crisis.

Step 10 calls me to pay attention, take inventory and make things right quickly.

The truth is this: I can’t always control what happens around me, but I can choose to let the Spirit of God rule within me. Peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances - it’s found in a heart humbly surrendered to Jesus.

Walk well.

POLRis4Life