“A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.” (Proverbs 15:18)

The eye of a hurricane is like the quiet center of a disagreement or argument. There is a definite (though momentary) pause in hostilities when antagonists take a “time-out” to soothe heated emotions and quieten racing blood pressures and heartbeats. This message considers Proverbs 15:18 and what it takes to stay calm amid conflict storms.

The Eye of the Hurricane

Today’s Scripture passage suggests that a hot-tempered person is like a violent hurricane with intense winds swirling in every direction. The person who remains calm equates to the eye of the storm where conflict and disagreements weaken.

During a hurricane, people find it hard to believe that turbulent winds and rain can suddenly stop for several minutes to reveal clear skies and a calm center. The temporary stillness does not signal the end of the storm. Once the eye passes, the ‘hurricane’s intensity can become more violent.

Hope in Conflict Storms

After a cooling-off period, anger can resurface quickly, packing hurricane-force intensity. But, it’s possible to curtail rage and resentment and prolong the cessation of hostilities – with prayer and faith that God will supply the proper resolution.

How can you use the suggestions in this devotional to seek stillness in the center of conflict and disagreement?

Father God, My first response in an argument is to give my anger and negative emotions to You. I accept by faith that You will provide the calm necessary for me to see Your answer to the problem.