Your Facebook post isn’t liked as much as you want, so it triggers feelings of low self-worth and failure. Adjustments to routines trigger anxiety. Health concerns trigger fears.

Have you ever pushed a button on your screen and nothing happens? So you push it harder, again and again! You keep pushing it, holding it down. Triggers aren’t meant to be held down. They are one-time shots to get your attention.

Dig into these psalm verses for three key actions when it comes to triggers: Reaction. Reassurance. Response.

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name” (Psalm 61:1-5).

The psalmist is aware that his heart is faint, weak, and lonely. These are reactions to experiences. But he doesn’t keep crying. He lets go of the trigger and holds onto the reassurances of God, who is his refuge, rock, and strong tower. This leads to his responses: calling to God, vowing obedience, and praising God’s name.

Instead of letting your triggers continue to make choices for you, by faith make choices about your response based on God’s truth.