Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 ESV
Emotion is defined as a natural, instinctive state of mind deriving of one’s circumstances, mood, or relationships with others. We either control our emotions or our emotions control us. There was a time when I believed that I could not control my emotions. I felt that God had simply made me that way. I also felt that God had allowed these circumstances to happen in my life and I could not help how I felt about them or how I reacted to them. I was wrong. But, then I read things in the Bible like Proverbs 29:11 that says, “A fool gives vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds back.” I actually don’t have to wear my heart on my sleeve. Everyone doesn’t need to know how I feel all the time. Sometimes it can be between me and God. I learned that God is here for me to help me control my emotions.
When I would read today’s scripture passage, I would often think that I could not help being anxious in certain situations, but I have learned a few things about emotions from Scripture. I have learned that there is a time for our emotions. It is natural for us to mourn the loss of someone we love. We are told in Ecclesiastes 3:4 that there is a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.
Fear is another emotion that is discussed in the Bible and in many Scripture passages we are told not to fear. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Throughout Scripture we are encouraged not to fear, but to have faith in God.
Today’s scripture passage deals with stress. Stress or anxiety often comes from a fear of the unknown or a fear of what the future may hold. But we are told that we should not worry in Matthew 6:33-34 which tells us to first seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and He will take care of all we need and not to be anxious about tomorrow for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Then there is anger. The Bible has many things to say about anger as well. Proverbs 37:8 says refrain from anger and forsake wrath! It tells us not to fret because this only leads to evil. Ephesians 4:28 tells us not to sin in our anger and not to let the sun go down on our anger. Ecclesiastes 7:9,Proverbs 14:29 and James 1:19 tells us to be slow to anger. Ephesians 4:31 tells us to put away all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. When we are angry it leads to all those other things. We are not to be involved in slander, malice, fighting, and bitterness.
Some of you may be reading this and thinking, “Well, you don’t know what they did to me!” You’re right, but I know what God did for you. He died on the cross to save you from sin. I know what He can do for you, He can help you through these tough times. Philippians 4:13 tells us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. This includes putting away sinful emotions like anger and the things that accompany anger like bitterness and wrath and a whole host of other negative behaviors.
Negative emotions left unchecked can lead to sinful behavior. Bitterness is like rot to the soul. Trust me you don’t want any of that stuff festering in there. If you are experiencing some of these emotions because of some current or past circumstances, turn to God. Trust in Him to help you through this. He can remove things like bitterness and anger from you. I know because I have been there, done that and got the t-shirt. I was in a situation where I was so angry over what someone had done to someone I loved I just couldn’t let it go. I fought that battle on my knees. I prayed to God to remove all bitterness and anger from me. I had to pray this several times a day for a couple weeks, but then He changed my whole attitude. I went from anger to compassion. I began to pray for this person’s salvation. I was able to forgive them.
I’ve learned that with God’s help, I can control my emotions. I find that much better than when they used to control me. He will help you to do the same if you only trust in Him.
Have a great day!