The Outlet Community
The Soul Therapy Series continues with Triggers.
Pastor Vince Thomas, Jr.
Soul Therapy Series - Triggers, Part 2
Proverbs 4:20-23 (NLT)
Proverbs 4:20-23 NLT
Triggers Defined
Any stimulus or thought that reshapes our thoughts and actions.
(Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts--Becoming The Person You Want to Be - Marshall Goldsmith)
Triggers happen as a fact of life. We must make the choice to allow triggers to move us in the positive/constructive direction and not allow them to drive us to a negative/destructive direction.
One of the most difficult hurdles for people to overcome is the incorrect belief that other people or events are responsible for their triggers and the subsequent feelings.
Where Do Triggers Come From?
We live in a fallen world and must decipher through not only our own basic needs for survival and fulfillment but also our own selfish interests and desires.
Romans 5:12 NLT
James 1:12-15 NLT
1 John 4:16-19 NLT
- Receiving God’s love for us has greater and a more long-lasting impact on us than what has happened to us in our lives.
- However, we cannot deny what has transpired to us throughout our lives (childhood, adolescence, and adulthood). We must take responsibility for our current reaction to what happened in the past. Otherwise, we will forever feel like a victim.
Refusing to believe that you are susceptible to triggers will increase your chances of falling prey to temptations that are only tricks that lead you to a treat that is nested with a trap. #theoutletcc #triggers
Most of us have gone through life unaware to how our environment shapes our behavior. We must challenge beliefs that are contrary to living the life God intends for us to live.
Romans 12:1-2 NLT
Dealing with our Faulty Belief System
An excuse explains why we fell short of expectations after the fact. Our faulty inner beliefs trigger failure before it happens. They sabotage lasting change by canceling its possibility. We employ these beliefs as articles of faith to justify our inaction and then wish away the result.
Now that you are armed with this information, what are your options when triggered? Either we will respond out of fear or we will respond out of love.
Main Point: When triggered, We overcome the temptation to respond negatively by allowing the positive response of compassion/love to dominate our thoughts, words, and actions.
Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT
Reflection + Discussion
1. Can you remember a time where you wish you could have taken words back after you spoke them?
2. Describe a time when you were not trusting the Lord as you knew you should have. What were some of the consequences?
3. Which areas in your life, when triggered, do you need to learn to let go of always having to be in control?
