Fickle Feelings

Feelings are fickle. One day they’re up, one day they’re down, and other days we can’t seem to find them at all. It’s easy to make decisions based on what we want, think and feel―or what our emotions tell us is the right thing, right now. But we have to be very careful not to be led by our emotions. 

Now, God gave us feelings, and it’s not wrong to have them. In fact, they are an important part of enjoying life. So, we don’t need to deny that we experience them, but we do need to prevent them from controlling us. We should follow something much wiser and much more dependable―and that is the Word of God.

The Bible is our instruction book for life. It teaches us godly principles so we can think, talk and act like God. Jesus said in John 8:31-32 (AMPC), ...If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.

By using God's Word to guide our thoughts and our words instead of merely reacting to situations, we'll be able to manage our emotions instead of allowing them to manage us. 

Thoughts Are Fuel for Feelings

Do you ever think about what you’re thinking about? This may sound funny, however, learning to regularly take inventory of our thoughts is essential to having emotional stability. One of the ways we can take control of our emotions is found in Colossians 3:2 (AMP). It says, Set your mind and keep focused habitually on the things above…not on things that are on the earth…. When negative thoughts are building up and trying to take control of your emotions, take a few minutes to set your mind on God and His Word. 

Because our thoughts are intricately connected to our feelings, if we want to feel better, we need to think better. I like to use the illustration of putting gas in a car. If we put the correct fuel in our automobile, it will run well. But if we use the wrong fuel, it may not run at all. In the same way, when we choose our thoughts carefully, our quality of life will improve in amazing ways. 

I encourage you to spend time examining God’s Word and comparing it to your thought life. Make up your mind to work toward changing your way of thinking and give God time to help you put your thoughts in line with His. And don’t be afraid to ask God for a lot of help—and ask for it often. As you do your part to line up your thoughts with God’s Word, He will do His. 

The Power of Your Words

Another strong step you can take toward managing your emotions is to understand the power of your words—they affect our moods, our decisions, how we feel, and what kind of day we ultimately have.  

Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue...(AMP). Words are wonderful when they are used in the right way—they can encourage, inspire and give confidence to the hearer. A right word spoken at the right time can actually be life-changing. Everything that comes out of our mouths—whether positive or negative—has the ability to affect ourselves and others for good or bad. 

As the Lord began teaching me about the incredible importance of my words, He showed me that His Word is full of power, and when I speak His words out of my mouth, I am cooperating with Him to bring about His good plan for my life (Hebrews 4:12).  

I strongly recommend speaking the Word of God out loud. Even though what you say may be the opposite of how you feel, keep doing it. God's Word has the inherent power to change our feelings, bring us comfort, and quiet our distraught emotions.

One Step at a Time

Lining up our thoughts with God’s Word and using our mouth to say it out loud isn’t always easy, but it is possible with God’s help. There are a few different “buttons” the enemy knows he can push to get an emotional reaction out of me, so I make a point to prepare myself with the Word before that happens. I love Psalm 94:12-13 (AMP). It says, Blessed [with wisdom and prosperity] is the man whom You discipline and instruct, O Lord, and whom You teach from Your law, that You may grant him [power to calm himself and find] peace in the days of adversity....

If you desire greater emotional stability, and the ability to maintain a consistent good attitude no matter what your circumstances are, then make it a goal and don’t give up until you have reached it. Feelings will come and go. You can't escape them, but you can choose to live by God's Word and not your feelings. Even when it doesn't feel right, you can live with an incredible peace and joy. He will help you live beyond your feelings!