Discreetly

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Then you will learn to be discreet and will store up knowledge.
Proverbs 5:1&2

When the waters are troubled, the instinct of self-survival kicks in and we proceed to attempt to save ourselves. Trouble is, because we don't bother to see what God is doing, we stir up mud from all directions trying to either defend ourselves with our thoughts or our actions that aren't led by the Holy Spirit. Survival of self becomes more important to us when we're busy trying to defend ourselves.

Peter pulled Jesus aside and tried to correct him when Jesus explained to them what he was about to suffer in Matt 16:22&23. But Jesus answered 1st speaking to the enemy Get away from me Satan (he wasn't calling Peter Satan) then to Peter he said you are merely seeing this from a human point of view, and not from God's. Then in v24 Jesus says that "If any of you want to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, and shoulder your cross, and follow me."

Being discreet is showing good judgment; knowing when to keep silent and when to open our mouth and speak. My mouth has run on occasion out of hurt feelings and I have regretted saying anything because in my desire to straighten out a situation I just made a bigger mess of things. The verse I mentioned in Proverbs says to pay attention to my wisdom. This is something that I can see very clearly that "I" need to do when faced with adversity. Listen and allow the Lord to be my comforter and defender, for He will take care of me and see me through the storms of life. And He is able to take what the enemy intended for our downfall and use it for our good.

Lord how I love You, Jesus I thank You for your blood that cleanses me of unrighteousness and sanctifies me and sets me apart from ungodly ways of thinking and acting. Thank You that You love me enough to teach me to act discreetly and that You fill me with the knowledge of Your will.