When your emotions are raging like the waves in the picture above, how do you handle it? Consider this example given by Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church (Atlanta), of how a member of his congregation did it and see what Dr. Stanley recommends.
Dr. Stanley tells of a member of his congregation who was very committed to God, taught Sunday school, and was just an overall good example to those he instructed. Sadly, however, this all changed when the man's three year-old son took sick and died. Unable to understand how to deal with the emotions he was feeling, the man went into a tailspin and his sorrow festered in him until his life became characterized by bitterness and resentment. Now, in addition to loosing his son, he also forfeited his life, health, effectiveness for the kingdom of God, and relationships too. Too bad he didn't take the time to read Ephesians 4:31 which instructs us to "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you." This is only my humble opinion but, if he'd followed this advice, he might still be a vessel in the Lord's hands and a servant in His kingdom.
Dr. Stanley offers the following positive steps as a defense against devastating emotions:
Confess what you're feeling to God -
As long as you deny the emotions exists, you are merely repressing them and they will continue to control you. However, once you acknowledge your frustration and anger to the Lord, you've taken an important step toward gaining peace. He desires for you to have enjoyment.
Identify the nature and source of the emotions -
From what do these emotions stem? What has happened in your life that has made you especially sensitive to certain kinds of pressures, injustices, or offenses? You can't heal unless you know the true cause of your wounds.
Decide to deal with your feelings immediately -
Ephesians 4:26 instructs us, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." In other words, the longer you remain exasperated, the more damage it will do to both your heart and your relationship. Take it to Heavenly Father as quickly as possible.
Do not sin -
James 1:19 admonishes us "Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." Whenever a circumstance arises that cause irritation and fury to rise up within you, take time to seek the Lord's direction about how to deal with these emotions in a godly manner. Through reading the Scriptures and prayer, God is able to clarify your situation and show you how to deal with the problem effectively.
Use the energy produced by your emotions positively -
For example, if you witness an injustice in your community, find ways to minister to those involved, thereby, showing them the love of Christ. You can also channel the drive you feel into such activities as exercise, cleaning house, and spending time with Heavenly Father.
Develop strategies to help you respond correctly -
As long as we live in this fallen world, there will be people, circumstances, and issues that trigger frustration and indignation within you. Therefore, be able to identify when emotions begin to take hold, and decide in advance how you will respond.
Aggression is contagious -
Therefore, steer clear of those with a temper or complaining spirit. Recognize the characteristics in others that are especially upsetting to you and avoid them when possible.
Dr. Stanley offers the following positive steps as a defense against devastating emotions:
Confess what you're feeling to God -
As long as you deny the emotions exists, you are merely repressing them and they will continue to control you. However, once you acknowledge your frustration and anger to the Lord, you've taken an important step toward gaining peace. He desires for you to have enjoyment.
Identify the nature and source of the emotions -
From what do these emotions stem? What has happened in your life that has made you especially sensitive to certain kinds of pressures, injustices, or offenses? You can't heal unless you know the true cause of your wounds.
Decide to deal with your feelings immediately -
Ephesians 4:26 instructs us, "Do not let the sun go down on your anger." In other words, the longer you remain exasperated, the more damage it will do to both your heart and your relationship. Take it to Heavenly Father as quickly as possible.
Do not sin -
James 1:19 admonishes us "Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger." Whenever a circumstance arises that cause irritation and fury to rise up within you, take time to seek the Lord's direction about how to deal with these emotions in a godly manner. Through reading the Scriptures and prayer, God is able to clarify your situation and show you how to deal with the problem effectively.
Use the energy produced by your emotions positively -
For example, if you witness an injustice in your community, find ways to minister to those involved, thereby, showing them the love of Christ. You can also channel the drive you feel into such activities as exercise, cleaning house, and spending time with Heavenly Father.
Develop strategies to help you respond correctly -
As long as we live in this fallen world, there will be people, circumstances, and issues that trigger frustration and indignation within you. Therefore, be able to identify when emotions begin to take hold, and decide in advance how you will respond.
Aggression is contagious -
Therefore, steer clear of those with a temper or complaining spirit. Recognize the characteristics in others that are especially upsetting to you and avoid them when possible.
Until next time . . .
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