Emotions, Emotions, Emotions!

Well, we all have them and they speak to us in many different ways. But are they always telling us the truth or could our emotions be leading us astray?

What a question to have to consider, right? If we're honest, most of the time we think that if we're feeling something then that feeling is right. After all, circumstances happen that cause these emotions to flood our soul: happiness, sadness, confusion, suspicion, anger, distrust, depression, just to name a few. It's what we do with these emotions that make the difference in how we show up in the world each day.

I remember a time when I was wallowing in self pity, hurt, and distrust. The more I dwelled on the situation that happened to me and the more I tried to make sense of it, the deeper I sunk into a depressive state of mind. This isn't to say that we shouldn't process and seek counsel when things happen in our lives, but I am saying that there is a time to recognize when we've stayed in a place too long. You have to come to a place of recognizing when the emotions have begun to control you and dictate how you present yourself. You have to make a decision about what you will allow to speak to your state of mind.

God has given us the power to control our emotions and not let them control us. The good news is that this power is not based on circumstances; it is inherent within us each day as Believers. When those bad days come and those negative emotions try to take over our state of mind, we do have a powerful source in the Word to speak over ourselves. We have to remember the power that is in our own mouths. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit." We have to speak words of life over our hearts and our minds in order to combat the strong emotions that try to weigh on us regardless of how truthful they feel. The real truth is in God's Word to us.

As God's children, we have to believe what He says and take hold of what He has given us as a weapon (the Word) to keep our minds at perfect peace. "You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you (Isaiah 26:3)." His promise is sure and we can trust that all things will work together for our good because we love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). So, dwell on the fact that you are loved regardless of what life throws at you. He knows you and loves you regardless of the circumstances and He's given us a mighty tool to equip us on this journey of life. With all of life's ups and downs, we can always find our stability in Him when we seek Him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, thank you for being faithful in our lives. Without you we could not make it in this world. Life happens, but you have given us the power in your Word to continue to stand and move forward regardless of whether times are good or bad. Thank you that you have always made yourself available to us and you have given us access to come boldly to your throne of grace to receive mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16). We love you and we thank you, Lord. Amen.