Feelings must follow your lead

Feelings can be so powerful. People marry because of love, kill because of anger, steal because of jealousy, and withdraw because they are hurt. For many people, feelings drive them, guide them, and control their lives. It’s interesting to watch them navigate the trials of life. They are often up and down with circumstances. Their mantra is “Oh, I don’t feel like it” or “I didn’t volunteer because I was afraid.”

The Bible warns us to “Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man do not go, lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul.” (Proverbs 22:24-25, NKJV)  

Feelings were designed by God to help us process hurt, threats, and attractions. Feelings are not bad. They are simply reflections of thoughts or misinterpretations. Feelings follow thoughts. Change your thoughts, and your emotions will follow.

James, the brother of Jesus, once said, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2, NIV).

friend, it’s amazing that we are able to control our emotions rather than being controlled by them. In fact, Paul mentions that the fruit of the Spirit in you should bring emotional stability and joy: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22, NIV) Ask the Holy Spirit to help you. Reevaluate your negative self-talk. Memorize the Word of God and be set free.

I remember reading a book entitled Happiness is a Choice. It taught me to accept responsibility for my feelings. Depression had to leave. I had to learn how to control my temper, forgive, and love others unconditionally. 

friend, you can take control of your feelings by the power of the Spirit and the rewiring of your thinking. You are a miracle, and God loves you more than all the animals in the world.