Emotions Rooted in God

Do not be controlled by your emotions. Feelings and emotions are constantly changing. One minute, we are happy, the next sad, and the next minute, our anger is triggered. This emotional yo-yo can make your life very difficult and painful. Fully knowing and depending on the Word of God, by being deeply rooted in your biblical knowledge and having faith that He is always with you, ends the roller coaster.  

The Bible makes it clear that roots growing in rocky soil are not deeply rooted and will be swayed back and forth as the blows of life hit you. This means that your emotions (and faith) are subject to external circumstances, wavering and waning when you most need them to be stable. However, you have another choice: another path.  

DEEPLY root yourself in His Word and examples, then when the trials of life assault your senses, you have a weapon stronger than any “weapon formed against you.” When you have The Word memorized, you can immediately refer to His teachings and reassurances instead of allowing your emotions to control your quality of life. 

I am probably making this sound easier than it is. We are used to “reacting” to stimulus. Our autonomous nervous system automatically controls BODY reactions and adjusts internally to keep us alive and well. EXTERNAL situations and circumstances “trigger” emotions due to past experiences, hurts, and fear. These emotional reactions are your MINDS way of protecting you from further hurt and emotional pain, but seldom do they achieve making us feel or act better. However, if we start mentally thinking about scripture verses when we feel emotional, it calms us down and allows uncontrolled reactions to turn into proactive behavior.  Below are a few of many verses God has given us to improve our quality of life when we are tossed into difficult situations. 

King David had all the women, riches, power, and secular things that a man could want, but often found himself pleading to God in despair. This shows us that if we embrace worldly ways, we will likely suffer more than if we accept and follow God’s Word as the path to peace, love, and happiness. Read these verses and think about what emotions might have been prompting David’s words… 

1. Psalm 7:9 – O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the  

violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure. 

1. Psalm 30:5 – For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Situations are TEMPORARY, but an emotional outburst can cause damage for a lifetime.) 

1. Psalm 34:18 – The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (He knows your heart and will bring peace in all situations. Ask Him and then lean INTO Him) 

1. Psalm 42:5 – Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why am I so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. 

1. Psalm 51:8-12 – Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. (Repent and ask God to forgive your trespasses) 

1. Psalm 94:13 – …You grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked. (God is our salvation; on earth and in heaven. He will help you!) 

1. Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  (He heals you, but while the wounds are mending, He “binds” them so they can heal correctly. Give Him your broken heart, body, and soul, and then watch Him perform a miracle of healing and restoration in your life. Trust Him, lean on Him, and LET Him take control.)

1. Romans 8:8 – Those controlled by sinful nature cannot please God. (Letting your emotions control your actions is NOT pleasing to God. He expects us to ACT as He has taught us, not to “knee-jerk” REACT due to our changing situations and emotions.  

1. Philippians 4:11 – I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (Have you learned to “bloom” where you are planted? Do not focus on being a victim (negative), but be positive: a true VICTOR! This will definitely improve your emotional state. 

1. Hebrews 4:15-16 – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who has been tempted in every way, just as we are and yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Depend on God instead of following your own feelings) 

1. 1 Peter 5:7-9 -- Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 

In summary, emotions are an uncontrolled REACTION to a given set of circumstances or a situation. By learning to ACT in a way that pleases God, you will tame your emotions and become the man or woman God expects you to be. In turn, you will become a person who is not on a constant emotional roller coaster (dipping, turning, and being thrown about), and your life/relationships/attitude will improve. Emotions are very powerful and can be destructive and dangerous. You can control emotions and CHOOSE God’s way in all situations. Amen.  

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