Joel Osteen Podcast

Episode: How To Handle Troublemakers | Joel Osteen

Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Joel Osteen
Podcast Theme: Biblical inspiration, practical faith, and living your best life

Episode Overview

In this episode, Joel Osteen addresses a universal challenge: how to handle "troublemakers"—people in our lives who create conflicts, stir up negativity, or try to undermine us. Through biblical stories, practical advice, and personal anecdotes, Joel encourages listeners to maintain control over their emotions, not let others steal their joy, and trust God to vindicate and move them toward their destiny.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Reality of Troublemakers

• We all encounter people who aggravate us, spread negativity, or try to make us look bad—at work, in our families, neighborhoods, and beyond.
• Trying to change these people or win their approval is both exhausting and unproductive.
• Quote:

  “Some people, no matter how nice you are, they’re not going to be for you. But you don’t need them to fulfill your destiny.”
  (03:05)

2. Guarding Your Heart and Taking Back Your Power

• Scriptural advice: “Guard your heart”—don’t let bitterness, offense, or other’s negativity in.
• Letting others control your emotions is like handing them your “thermostat.”
• Quote:

  "You’re giving them your joy. Do yourself a favor: get your thermostat back. Quit letting what they say ruin your day.”
  (04:04)

3. Biblical Examples: Isaac, David, and Saul

• Isaac: Despite being blessed, Isaac’s experience with Esau’s wives shows how even amid abundance, people can rob us of joy if we’re not careful.
  (06:07)
• David’s Journey:
  • David defeated Goliath (the obvious troublemaker) but had to endure years of mistreatment from King Saul, a more persistent adversary.
  • David discerned when to fight (Goliath) and when to walk away or “duck” (Saul).
  • Key lesson: Not every troublemaker is meant to be confronted. Sometimes, maturity is found in walking away.
  • Quote:

    "You have to know when to fight and when to walk away... Most of the time, you need to duck, ignore it, and move on.”
    (10:56)

  • David’s restraint and refusal to retaliate ultimately led to his promotion and vindication.
• First Peter 2 & Jesus' Example:
  • Jesus “did not retaliate when he was insulted... He left his case in the hands of God.”
    (13:14)

4. Personal Story – The Angry Driver

• Joel recounts an incident where a driver, at fault for an accident, furiously blamed and berated Joel.
• Joel chose not to react, realizing the man’s anger wasn’t about him.
  • Quote:

    “I didn’t give him my thermostat. I wasn’t going to let him control my temperature.”
    (23:37)

• Weeks later, Joel’s insurance agent corroborated the man's angry behavior, reaffirming Joel’s decision to remain calm.

5. The Power of Meekness

• Meekness is not weakness. It is “strength under control.”
• The meek control their emotions, don’t engage in fruitless arguments, and keep their peace.
  • Quote:

    “Meek doesn’t mean you’re weak... Meekness is strength under control.”
    (24:55)

6. Apostle Paul’s ‘Henceforth’ Moment

• Paul, tired of constant criticism and rejection, declares in Galatians 6:17, “From henceforth, I will let no man trouble me.”
• Joel urges listeners to have their own “henceforth” moment—determining not to let others dictate their joy or peace.
  • Quote:

    “All that pressure is off. You’re free to enjoy your life, to pursue your dreams, to become who God’s created you to be.”
    (26:07)

7. Encouragement and Declaration

• Listeners are encouraged to leave offenses “in the hands of God.”
• God sees you overlooking insults, being good to people who aren’t good to you. Your reward and breakthrough are coming.
  • Quote:

    “Like with David, God’s about to vindicate you. Things are going to turn around. Suddenly you didn’t see any sign of it, but the wrong people moved out, opposition leaving, new doors opening, promotion, restoration, the fullness of your destiny in Jesus’ name.”
    (27:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On letting go of offense:

  “Life is too short to let your happiness depend on how someone else treats you.”
  (05:13)

• On troublemakers in your destiny:

  “God didn’t promise he’s going to change them, but he did promise they cannot keep you from your destiny.”
  (18:30)

• On battling family criticism:

  “Some of your family may not understand you… Leave that in the hands of God.”
  (20:53)

• On emotional boundaries:

  “You can’t stop the trouble from coming, but you can stop it from getting into your spirit.”
  (25:33)

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | |------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:10 | Opening, introduction | Joel sets up today’s theme | | 03:00 | Defining ‘troublemakers’ | Who they are, their effect on us | | 04:00 | Guarding your heart | Importance of boundaries, not giving up your ‘thermostat’ | | 06:10 | Story of Isaac and Esau’s wives | Blessing can coexist with difficult people | | 08:27 | Story of David (Goliath vs Saul) | Knowing when to engage or walk away | | 12:25 | Lessons from Jesus (1 Peter 2) | Leaving offense in God’s hands | | 17:00 | Story of modern “Saul” at the office | Workplace example of endurance and faith leading to eventual reward | | 20:25 | Story of Sheba and Michal | More biblical examples: not everyone will approve or understand you | | 23:35 | Joel’s car accident story | Real-life application of not absorbing others’ anger | | 24:55 | On meekness | Controlling strength, not reacting to negativity | | 25:53 | Paul’s ‘henceforth’ moment | Drawing a line, not letting people continue to trouble you | | 27:31 | Encouragement & declaration | God sees your endurance; sudden promotion is coming |

Final Takeaways

• You cannot always change or avoid troublemakers, but you can control your internal response.
• Don’t hand your power (thermostat) to others—set the tone for your own day and life.
• God sees your patience, restraint, and kindness, even when unreciprocated.
• Promotion, breakthrough, and vindication come not from “fixing” others, but by staying true to your values and trusting God.
• Make your own “henceforth” decision today—don’t let anyone else control your joy, peace, or destiny.

If you receive it, can you say Amen? (27:56)

For more information or resources, visit joelosteen.com