Written by Dr. Kim Johnson

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to upset some people?

You don’t need to do much. Just say the right thing the wrong way, and they’re already bothered. Say something else, and now they’re angry. Push a little more, and now they’ve completely lost their peace.

It doesn’t take a storm. Just a sentence.

Some people can be moved so easily that others know exactly what to say to set them off. Before they even realize it, they’re being pulled in different directions emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

They’re like palm trees in the wind.

🌬️ Easily Moved Means Easily Controlled

A palm tree doesn’t decide which way it moves. The wind decides.

When a person is easily upset, easily offended, or easily angered, they may not realize it, but they are being controlled by whatever comes their way.

If someone can predict your reaction, they can manipulate your direction.

Ephesians 4:14 reminds us not to be “tossed to and fro, carried about with every wind.”

There are people who don’t need power to move you. Just the right words. And God is saying, it’s time to stop being so easily moved.

Palm trees don’t pause. They just move with the wind.

But we are not called to react to everything. We are called to have self control.

Some people react to every comment, every look, every situation. And every time they react without control, they give away their peace.

You don’t have to respond to everything that touches you.

Proverbs 25:28 says, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self control.”

If everything can get to you, then anything can control you.

The thing is, growth looks like being steady. It looks like not being shaken by everything that comes your way.

There are some things you have to learn to ignore. Some words you have to let pass. Some situations are not worth your peace.

You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.

Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

When God’s peace is ruling, people don’t have that kind of access to you anymore.

✨ Closing Thought

The thing is Saints, you can’t stop the wind from blowing. People will say things. Situations will come. Challenges will arise.

But you can decide how you respond.

Don’t live your life like a palm tree, blown this way and that by every word, every emotion, every situation.

Be planted.
Be steady.
Be grounded in who God has called you to be.

Stop letting people move you.

Lord, help us to be steady and not easily shaken. Watch over our hearts and minds, and give us self control so we are not moved by every word or situation. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

© 2026 Kim Johnson. All rights reserved. This content may not be reproduced, distributed, or used without permission.