“God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” – Psalm 47:8
Kelly felt the familiar pit in her stomach as soon as she saw the office manager. As a nurse, she worked for Dr. Benson, who had hired his wife to run the office. Although Dr. Benson was pleasant, his wife rarely was.
She was always cornering Kelly and sharing her latest conspiracy theory or a negative report she’d seen on the news. Kelly tried to leave as early as possible, but today she’d stayed late to educate a patient about her diabetes diagnosis.
As she clocked out, she saw Dr. Benson’s wife head straight toward her. Taking a deep breath, Kelly plastered a smile on her face and listened while the other woman prattled on. When her phone notified her she had a text message, she managed to leave.
Later, Kelly reached out to a friend. “I see her, and I get all these knots in my stomach,” she explained. “She always shares these doom-and-gloom prophesies and I don’t know what to do anymore!”
Her friend shrugged, “Just listen. I’ve learned to let people rage and focus on the fact that God reigns. He ultimately decides how each story will end. You don’t have to let her negativity color your attitude.”
It’s hard to deal with a gloomy Gus who never has anything positive to share. But that doesn’t mean you have to be dragged down by their negativity. Instead, turn your eyes to Jesus and keep your gaze there.
Prayer: God, don’t let me absorb the negativity of those around me. I want to be a bright light shining for You. Let my gaze be fixed on You and only You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
