Changing our Emotions

What ever a man thinks - so is he - -

 

Our lesson at our Prayer meeting began with a reminder of Paul and Silas who had been arrested, beaten and placed in stocks because they were preaching about Jesus.  They could have complained, moaned, and questioned, but instead they began to sing and praise God even in this terrible situation.  - - And God showed up.

Joy – sorrow – gladness – sadness – emotions we all have them at one time.

Emotions are ruled by our ‘feelings,’ our passions, sentiments and thinking patterns.

We can’t be chipper all the time, but when we do feel sorrow or sadness, be reminded of God’s goodness and the Joy of the Lord that passes all knowledge. 

In the five days between Palm Sunday and Good Friday Jesus was burdened down with heaviness, knowing what was before him.  This was because He had what is called “Inside information” of what was ahead of him. 

Then he (Jesus) said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." -Matthew 26:38-39

We are not meant to wallow in depression and to continually be sad.  Even soul winners who agonize and weep lost souls must rise up and sing praises - - to rejoice that God is dealing with the lost and He desires to bring them to the cross. 

David had times of sorrow, but not for long, because he had learned to encourage himself by counting his blessings and naming the attributes of God.

Psalms 30  Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. 

Peter was showing how glorious joy comes by acknowledging every good and perfect gift that is in you.   1 Peter 1:8-9 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  

Mike Bickle writing for Charisma states:  You may have discovered in this life that you don't have the power to change your emotions directly. You can't say, "Joy!" and elicit joy from your soul. You can't demand, "Gladness, rise up within me now!" It will never happen.  

You might get a jolt of adrenaline, but long-lasting emotions are not awakened by determination. That's God's part of the division of labor, and it's a supernatural work of the Spirit in us.  

But here's the good news: all our emotions are linked to thoughts or ideas. Correct thoughts about God bring wonderful emotions. This is why the truth sets us free (John 8:32).  

You can indirectly change your emotions by flooding your thoughts with the truth about God. 

{ PRAYER STARTER }

I choose to think about Your truth, O God. I choose to harness my mind and focus it on Your grace and goodness to me. Complete Your work in me through Your Holy Spirit. 

Beholding God's emotions is something only you can do in your own secret life in God. 

As we pray today for our city, we will address the hopelessness that rules so many of our citizens.  Thoughts of anger, fear, and even suicide cause many to turn to alcohol and drugs hoping to stop the incessant misery that hounds them.  They cry for relief, and Jesus is the answer.  Our prayers are reaching out as we continue to make our declarations of faith.