Today’s Blog: Craving drama?

TODAY’S PROVERB: He who loves sin loves strife. One who builds a high gate invites destruction. Proverbs 17:19, TLV

Did you know there are people who feel more comfortable around strife and chaos than peace? For some, like myself, I didn’t know what a life without chaos could look like. I thought it was normal. For others, they enjoy the unsettled lifestyle and seek to drag others into it with them.

We all have difficult seasons. Illness. Financial challenges. Deaths. Divorces. This is not the same as a need to be surrounded by turmoil and drama. Because, once we’re out of the season we’re thankful and have no desire to return.

So, why love the drama? If there is chaos, then a person tends to expect to be “excused” from routine responsibilities and accountability. Others around them give them a lot of latitude when this person exhibits poor behavior. We try to be sympathetic because, after all, they’re having a difficult time.

Over time, discerning people will recognize a pattern and be less likely to give as much grace — they will hopefully help this soul recognize their accountability.

What does this have to do with today’s proverb? Is the need for chaos sin? Does the soul who craves unrest and strife love to sin? Perhaps. Most likely, a life mired in regular cycles of chaos has a lot of unresolved issues. Unforgiveness. Anger. Envy. Insecurities. Things from the past that haven’t been taken before our Father can be festering in their hearts. Those issues attract other sins like lying, stealing, infidelity, dishonor.

What if “that person” is us? If all this is sounding a bit too familiar, then the Holy Spirit could be giving us a tap on the shoulder. It’s okay. In fact, it’s good. Our Father must think we’re ready to deal with an old wound or sin that until now has stayed hidden.

Sick and tired of the strife?

If we’re sick and tired of the chaos and drama and strife, then it’s time to allow the Holy Spirit to show us the roots to that need. Let our Father show us a new life of peace and forgiveness. A life that seeks peace when things are crazy and challenging, not more chaos.

It begins simply: ask Him, “Do I love strife?” If we sense He’s saying, yes, then ask the Holy Spirit to show us where to begin.

For me, it began with

• not adding any more responsibilities, even from friends.
• schedule quiet time with no television, music, or people.
  • I had to begin with short periods and work up to longer segments. The quiet was overwhelming.
• just me, my Bible, and a listening heart.
  • I also wrote extensively in my journal during this season of breakthrough.

When we’re at peace, even during the chaos, others craving that peace will seek us out. Then we can point them to our Sar Shalom — the Prince of Peace — and our Father who loves them dearly.

May our life reflect the peace that surpasses understanding, my friends.

Proverbs 17:19 Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs