Recently, I was tested at a fast-food drive-through. I started timing my wait in line; 10 minutes...15...20. I considered what I could say to the guy at the window, but before I got to the window, the Lord said to me, "What do you suppose the person behind the window is feeling right now?"

I began to think about it: Maybe these are young people who are stressed out because someone spilled the fries, turned off the grill, or didn't show up for work. And here comes another upset, angry customer.

So when I got to the window, I said, "Praise the Lord" to the kid in the window.

He just stared at me.

It's your decision. There is no reason to be mad, hateful, or upset. Whatever happens around you, God is inside you. You can handle a slow drive-through or the problems in your office.

Yes, they are real; but if you want a whole heart, then you must build love into the treasure of your heart. Choose to love people as you love God—with all that is within you.

To get your love treasure right, believe and act upon Romans 5:5, which says, "...the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

The way to do this is to say, "I refuse to become angry, upset, or hateful. Love is within me and I choose love." Then say a kind word instead of an angry one. Apply God's Word—the Bible—to your situation.

Healthy people with a whole heart are not anxious, nervous, or stressed out. Philippians 4:7 says, "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Colossians 3:15 says, "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."

The Amplified Bible says, "And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually)...." In other words, let the peace of God call the shots.

Romans 5:1 says, "...we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." God knows all about you and everything in your world. If you have peace with God, then you can have peace with anyone. So make a decision to walk in that peace.

If you find yourself becoming upset, pounding your fist, and getting angry, back off. Let the peace of God guard, rule, reign, and be the umpire of your life.

People with a healthy heart practice peace and avoid relationships that are full of anxiety, stress, and manipulation. You may not "feel" peaceful, but realize it is your decision and choose to let your feelings follow the treasure of peace.

Source: Healing the Orphaned Heart by Casey Treat
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers