Last week we talked about how important it is to have good people skills and how EQ can be taught and strengthened. Let’s talk about the “how.” How do we control our emotions?
John 14:1 (NLT) says, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
The understood subject of this verse is “you.” It’s up to us to control our heart. It’s God’s power that makes that possible, but WE have to make the choice and draw on God’s ability.
This verse goes on to say, “trust in God.” Trusting in God takes faith. FAITH is how we conquer and control our emotions. FAITH is what overcomes the world. (1 John 5:4)
In the story of David and Goliath, what set David apart from the army of Israel? Was he stronger or smarter? No! David was more conscious of the goodness and faithfulness of God, while the army of Israel was more conscious of the negative words of Goliath. He had FAITH and because of this, he had victory over any emotion of fear or inferiority that he may have had.
John 14:27 (AMP) says, “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]”
Did you know that even when we respond in a bad way emotionally, God still loves us? His blessings are still available to us even if the middle of those situations.
1 John 3:20–21 (AMP) says, “Whenever our hearts in [tormenting] self- accusation make us feel guilty and condemn us. [For we are in God’s hands.] For He is above and greater than our consciences (our hearts), and He knows (perceives and understands) everything [nothing is hidden from Him]. And, beloved, if our consciences (our hearts) do not accuse us [if they do not make us feel guilty and condemn us], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God.”
Knowing that peace (and the PRINCE of peace) is in you, will help you to control your emotions.
Philippians 4:6–8 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. “
This week, let’s focus on conquering our emotions and taking advantage of that peace that is ALREADY on the inside of us!
-Pastor