Monday, September 12, 2022

Get a grip! – Mixed Emotions

September 12, 2022/in Week 1, Bible Study

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This past weekend, we were introduced to our new series, Mixed Emotions. I love the way the stage was set for thinking about our emotions in different ways, primarily through the bottom line: Emotions are a guess, not a guide.

I grew up in a home that did not welcome emotional displays. We were always fine. There were no harsh words, no yelling, no profanity, but there was a lot of passive-aggressive behavior. My family members had repressed emotions—still do!

It took me years to discover how I actually felt about things, and I’m still not great about sharing those feelings. However, I have come to realize that once I identify my emotions, they can help me understand my reactions. Understanding my reactions helps me respond in the way I want to respond as a follower of Jesus, with love and compassion.

We learned in the message that our emotions are not hardwired. They are more of a gauge or an indication that something is going on and our brain is trying to make sense of it. However, without further information, the brain doesn’t always settle on the correct interpretation. That’s why God gives us an instruction that is critically important in these times.

Romans 12:2

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (emphasis added)

2 Timothy 1:7 assures us that we are not helpless victims of our emotions:

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

The good news is that if you let him, God will do the work! By his design we have received a spirit of power, love and self-discipline. Matthew 11:28-29 invites us to come to Jesus with our emotions.

28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Without direction and help, our emotions can become heavy burdens that we don’t know how to handle. When we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, we can learn to channel our emotions into positive energy, which puts us in the center of God’s will—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Questions:

How do you feel? (Hint: Most likely, the answer is NOT fine!) Do you know? What do you do when your emotions overwhelm you? Are you happy with that behavior, or would you like to try something else?

Next Steps:

Write down some emotions that you are feeling about your current situation. Ask God to help you learn the truth about them. It may be helpful to share your thoughts about your emotions with a trusted friend and get their perspective.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of emotion! Thank you for the gratitude I feel at a beautiful sunset, the anger I feel at injustice, the joy I feel when I am with my crazy family, and the love that I feel for my husband. Help me learn how to use my emotions to celebrate all the beauty in your world and to be an instrument of your peace. Emotions are not my master; you are. Help me to live in that truth today. Amen.