Emotions, Emotions, Emotions

We are so complex!  I think when the term “emotions” was invented it was designed to describe a woman.  Why are we so emotional and why does it have to impact every area of our life?  The truth is that emotions don’t have to rule over us; we can control them!

 

 

Okay, so yes, that would minimize our flipping out sessions, and it certainly throws out the ‘pmsing’ excuse out the window. And dare I say that the nights of eating like a savage, or drowning in our tears over a pint of ice-cream would seize to exist?  The great news is that if we practice self-control, we will benefit from much needed peace and joy!

 

I’m currently reading a book by Joyce Meyer called “Living Beyond Your Feelings”. One quote that stood out is: “you can feel wrong and still do what is right”.  Now, I’m sure some of you just rolled your eyes or took a deep sigh because I did when I first read it, but it’s a true statement.  We don’t have to live our lives governed by our feelings.  Our society is all about feelings.  We often hear the phrase “follow your heart” or “do what you feel” but doing what we ‘feel’ isn’t always combined with wisdom. 

Galatians 5:16 says: “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” We need to ensure that our actions are in line with the Word even if they aren’t in line with how we truly feel.  Now, you may say, “Well, I don’t want to act fake.”  It’s not about being fake, it’s about recognizing that when we accepted Christ as our savior, we were given a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17) and because of this, we are expected to practice self-control and be Spirit-led.

 

So the next time you feel like lashing out, use it as an opportunity to practice self-control.  Quickly pray and ask God to help you.  Take a deep breath, multiple if you need to, and make the choice to react with wisdom.