Realizing That I Can Choose

To Control My Emotions
Pages 197-199

The next lie gives control of our lives to our emotions, saying that we cannot control our emotions. We often use this belief to justify wrong actions or reactions on our part, rationalizing, "I can't help the way I feel."

While it may be true that we cannot necessarily control how we feel about something, we can control how much power we allow our feelings to have over our lives.

We can always choose to obey God, regardless of how or what we are feeling.

33. The lie: I can't control my emotions.

The Truth: I do not have to be controlled by my emotions.

Matthew 5:44, "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."

Ephesians 4:26, "Be angry, and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath."

1 Thessalonians 5:18, "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

The Truth: I can choose to fix my mind on the Truth, to take every thought captive to the Truth, and to let God control my emotions.

Psalm 42:11, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."

2 Corinthians 10:5, "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."

The Antidote to Satan's Poison

The Enemy uses this lie to make us believe we have no choice but to be controlled by our emotions, but as you can see from the Word of God, we certainly have a choice and we don't have to let our feelings run our lives.

The Truth is, regardless of what emotions are whirling around inside, by God's grace, we can choose to fix our minds on Him and to "trust and obey." When we do, we will experience His peace and the grace to be faithful, even though our circumstances may not change.

Pray This Prayer

Father, sometimes my emotions do seem overwhelming. Thank You that I do not need to be controlled by my feelings. I pray that You will be Lord over every part of my life, including my emotions. Helps me to set my thoughts and affections on You each moment of the day. Amen.