DAYTONA

We say we want change in certain areas in our life, right? Change can either be forced on us or we can optionally make change happen. The change we desire can either exist in our finances, health, body, the way we think, or things we say. Yet sometimes we want to just see it happen instead of putting in the work to make things happen.

 

Now, I am an emotional person so I hope what I am about to say will not be taken out of context. I encourage you to express your emotions when you see fit. However, be able to control them when they might allow you to sin (doing anything that is convicting and/or not pleasing to God in your life Ephesians 4:26).

 

Lately, my emotions have been all over the place. They have taken the lead role in my decision-making. In the way I eat, if I should study, whether I should work out, should I say this, or do that. These are all the main areas where my emotions take the front seat. It seems as though I just go with the flow with whatever I feel. I have been around people that make me feel like I have to walk on eggshells. The words I say must be extremely well thought-out because I could easily offend them or get on their nerves. I feel like that's how people feel about me at some points. I can be so bubbly at one point then the next I am just so aggravated.

 

It's like I recognize there is a problem, but I don't know how to fix it. I get into this slump and have a hard time getting out. After praying about it, I expect it to disappear. Either it doesn't at all or does and then returns. This has to be one of the most irritating things to feel; like I can snap out of it and at the same time feeling stuck. Feeling this way reminds me of someone I know. They always seem to be in a funk and we never know why. I don't want to be like that.

 

I am choosing to make a change and not be that person that's typically "in my feelings". When the Word says I can beat (discipline) my body until it becomes my slave, which means I have the ability to gain control over my emotions and tell them what they are to do. That verse seems so aggressive, I know, but I love it. It makes me even more confident in the God given ability to be the leader in this relationship between my emotions and myself, and not a follower of my emotions. For me to pray and with no action won't help in this situation. I literally have to demand my mind to line up, and practice self-control in order to walk as Jesus walked. If you have never allowed your emotions to lead your decisions, then you can stop here. However, for those of us who have, I encourage you to keep reading. Trust me I am encouraging myself as I do for you.

 

David, the psalmist, asked himself, "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again--my Savior and my God!" Sometimes we have to encourage ourselves in the same way. The troubles of the world are set up for us to walk in fear, anxiety, depression, doubt and so much more. That's not God's plan at all. No matter how I feel, what I see, nor what I think, I must hope in the One that says my hope in Him will not be put to shame (Psalm 25:3). Though our hearts are overwhelmed, we must trust that God has graced us to do everything that has been assigned, in love and excellence. God has provided His Words of comfort and peace to be strategically used during times of frustration, anger, fear, anxiety and more.

 

Here are some things that we can do to keep hope. They are basic, but I have tried them and they seem to work for me.

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1. Continue to pray nonstop on the area of concern. Show God that we are serious about this area of our lives.

(1 Thess 5:17)

2. Develop an unwavering trust in God and recognize Him in everything we do. Get God involved in what concerns us.

(Prov 3:5-6)

3. Know that we will always triumph/win in every situation, even in the area of our emotions. Victory is destined for us.

(2 Corin 2:14)

4. ENJOY your WALK with Christ (a big one for me). Learn to relish your time spent with the lover of your soul. 

(Psalm 51:12)

5. Last, but not least, besides the Lord there is NONE other. He will always fight for His children.

(Isaiah 45:5)

 

Let's grab control of our emotions and be leaders, NOT followers of them.