I am confident that most of you can relate… unless you are very, very, VERY fortunate. Some days, you feel like the negative object of the world’s scrutiny. Other days, you feel like a holder of the ultimate source of hope, ready to extinguish the evil fires of the world. Notice in the statements above, I used the words “feel like.” This is the problem.
Since we are trapped in a robe of sinful flesh, we are subject to the multifaceted curse of the Garden… thanks Adam! Allow me to elaborate a bit. When Adam and Eve were in union with God’s Spirit in the Garden of Eden, everything existed in a state of harmony. They didn’t know the distresses of stress, pain, want, or need because they lived in sinless perfection. After they decided to accept the devil’s ill-fated offer to attempt to become like God, well… they opened the door to all the problems and heartaches that we experience today. Before we get too cranky about their failings, we should admit that we would probably made the same mistake that they did. Regardless, it is what it is and we must contend with the reality that we live in. Continuing on…
The purpose of this little article is to remind myself that I need to take a step back now and then to reinforce the truth of scripture within my life. I hope that these few thoughts will help you to do the same. Let’s look at a few verses:
- Proverbs 15:13 says “A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” So, this tells us that we are indeed affected by the emotional state that we find ourselves in. Those emotions can swing greatly from one extreme to another.
- Proverbs 29:11 says “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” Reading this verse, we find that we do have the power within us to choose how we react to our emotional state.
- Philippians 4:13 says ” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse identifies the source of the power that we need to deal with our emotional state.
- Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This verse identifies a process for us. This process involves consistent Bible study (Psalm 119:105), meditation upon the Word (Psalm 119:97), and a robust prayer life (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Too often, we are inconsistent with all these things.
Emotions are the problem… well, at least one problem that we must contend with in this life. Self-determined, Jesus empowered, spiritual resolve (combined) is the answer. So, wrapping up… let’s decide to make few adjustments, revisions, improvements – whatever you want to call it – in the way we handle the roller coaster ride of emotions that come through our dear forefather, Adam. Let us also look forward to the day when God will restore the sweet unity of Spirit – through His Son – in heaven.
God bless you all. Hang tough. Jesus will rescue us soon.
