Godly emotions

Godly Emotions

 I lied to myself for many years about the fact that I needed someone to help me with, listen to, or sort out my emotions. Growing up, I blamed my mother, I felt as though she was not equipped to teach me how to handle my emotions. At that point I became emotionless and ridged. As, I grew older and closer to God I learned that emotions were given to us as a gift. The emotions that we have are as constant as the air we breathe, and as close to us as the skin on our very own bodies. So, I came to the conclusion that since this is a gift from God, I need to learn how to manage it.

The word of God states:

Ecclesiastes: 3:4

A time to weep

And a time to laugh

A time to mourn

And a time to dance;

As you can see, God has given us a time for every emotion. With this in mind, emotions don’t become misused until you use them inappropriately or when you alter your feelings with drugs, alcohol or other chosen distractions. Our emotions should be conditioned, if not this can lead to anxiety, distress or depression.

One way I have decided to train my emotions is to focus on positive things. For, Philippians 4:8 states that:

Finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are in good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise worthy -meditate on these things.

Sometimes, I say to myself, “Goodness, I have to be happy all the time?”  I know that sounds unreasonable, huh? Well, as you know the wages of sin is death. And with that comes unfortunate situations. In those situations we have to define and choose the appropriate emotion. Pray in faith and suffer with thanksgiving.  So, yes I have to practice being happy all the time! Ha ha ha ha!

But here’s the catch! Our emotions must be rooted in God’s word. I practice being happy with “Godly emotions”. I believe that studying the word of God, having private time with him daily and casting my burdens on him will allow me to better apply the appropriate emotion when situations arise. Also I should never practice sin within my emotions. For example, if I love someone that doesn’t mean that it’s ok to have sexual relations with them if we are not married. If I am angry with someone it isn’t ok to try to physically harm them. These are definitely tricks of Satan.

God wants us to be happy; He wants us to defeat evil with positivity. Satan is the ruler of this world, but God gives us emotions that will defeat evil. Joy, peace and understanding are great focal points in God’s plan for our happiness. For the word states in regards to Joy in Isaiah 12:3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. Likewise, Psalms 29:11 states The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. And finally Philippians 4:7 states and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Our emotional wellbeing will be taken care of by the word of God. As long as we stay focused on his word all things will work out in our favor.