Have you ever thought about how our emotions affect our spiritual lives and our relationship with others and the Lord? In Colossians 3 Paul tells us that we are new creatures because "we died when Christ died, and our real life is hidden with Christ in God." He says that we no longer should be so concerned with things of this earth, but focus more of thoughts on heaven. In Colossians 3:8 Paul tells us it is time to get rid of anger,rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. In 3:9-15 he tells us not to lie to each other, because we have stripped off our old evil nature and all of the wicked behaviors it presents. We have replaced with a "brand new nature" that is constantly renewed as we learn more and more about Christ. We must must not get upset with the faults of others and be able to forgive! It is very important that we have love, for love is what binds us together. When we have love it is more difficult to see fault, or differences in others.
In a letter to Philipi, Paul and Timothy in chapter 4 :8-10 , tells the followers be always full of joy in the Lord and rejoice. Let everyone see that you are considered and respect others. They say don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you follow this advice you will experience God's peace, which is more than the human mind can experience. This peace, if allowed, will guard your heart and mind as you stay focused on Christ.
They (Paul & Timothy) advise two things to help with emotions: 1) Fix your thoughts on whats true, honorable and right. 2) Think only about things that are pure, lovely, and admirable. 3) Think about things that are excellent, and worthy of praise. Then they tell us put this stuff into practice that we have heard, saw and learned.
Why is the Lord concerned about our thoughts and emotions? Well he knows that negative thoughts and feelings distracts us and distance us from the Him. When we are on an emotional roller coaster, we become self consumed, depressed, anxious, worried and consumed by those things of the moment. It seems that in these situations our worries and anxiety begin to occupy the space, in our being, that once housed hope and faith. In the bible I am not sure if the term emotions are used. However, the term anger is listed 270 times, Joy 242 times, grief 35 times, mourning 47 times, to mourn 138 times, and terror 88 times.
In 2 Timothy we are reminded, "That all scriptures is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness that the man of God be competently equipped for every good work. The human mind functions somewhat like a computer. We are greatly influenced by the data that we that we take in both consciously and subconsciously. Unfortunately much of this data is negative and gives us messages that we are dumb, unloved, ugly, a victim, unworthy, and even unsavable. If you tell someone something long and often enough they will believe it even if it's a lie. This is what has happened to many of us, so it difficult for us to internalize the "Good New", because it so contradicts what we have learned to believe about ourselves.
If I am depressed, angry, anxious, worried, etc, it is very difficult for me to love! I become so consumed and begin to go inside myself and become lost in my own world of pity and sorrow. My entire being become consumed in negativity resulting in a loss of energy and the blockage of positive emotions.
There are ways to protect yourselves from falling in reciprocating pit. First lets take a look at the blueprint of what happens in these situations. First there is 1. A Situation-----2. Automatic Thought---- 3. Meaning of the though-----4. Emotions------5. Behavior. This is the cycle we all go through as we become upset, angry, etc. The situation may be disrespectful waitress at a restaurant. Automatic Thought is no she didn't do that! Meaning of the thought, I am not good enough, did she do it because I am Black?
Emotion is anger and resentment. Action may be to curse her out, talk her down, tell her she sure is not going to get a tip from you. This is a simple example of how it works.
I suggest that you find those scriptures that may pertain to you specific issues and write them out on a 3x 5 card and laminate them if you please. You should have copies of these in your car, home and on your person at all times. If anger is your issue find scriptures that remind you of you power source such as Philippians 4:13" I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me." Romans 8:9-11, "But the Spirit that of Him that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you." When you feel yourself slipping pull out these cards and began to read these out loud to yourself. You will feel immediate relief because two thought cannot occupy the same space at the same time. In therapy we call this self talk when we repeat positive affirmations when confronted with negative thoughts and emotions.
Our minds have so much information from our past stored in the recesses of our minds. In the most inopportune time these tapes begin to play without our permission. We can't erase our old tapes, but we can record new information over the old information. The more we fill our spirit with new uplifting information, such as the scriptures, the old will slowly diminish. Amen!
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