“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh, rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13
When I was in prayer about my emotions, the Lord spoke to my spirit: “When you get ramped up in your emotions, you complain and get yourself even more ramped up until you’re in a frenzy. Silence is Golden. For I speak in a still, small voice.”
“A fool gives vent to his anger but a wise person holds it in check.” Proverbs 29:11
He proceeded to give me clear directions on what to do the next time my emotions run high.
Here are His instructions:
-Pause.
-Breathe.
-Acknowledge Truth by saying this: “My emotions will blind me. I will quiet my mind and mouth so I can receive the wisdom of God.”
-Give yourself time. (2,5,10 min. Whatever the Holy Spirit directs.)
-Expect the Holy Spirit to show or tell you something you couldn’t see before.
-Determine in advance NOT SPEAK about the incident until you hear from God.
God will enter the circumstance because you made room for Him with your time, space and intention. He is always willing to help those who are humble enough to wait upon Him and receive. This is doing life in the Spirit!
“A person’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
The Bible gives room for righteous anger if it does not lead to sin. Righteous anger is a reaction against sin and evil. It compels us to hate what God hates and gives us a passion and justice for righteousness. Righteous anger looks to God’s glory and the building of His kingdom, but sinful anger seeks to gratify the desire of the flesh.
We must be cautious to see if our anger is rooted in selfish desires as we con convince ourselves that our anger is justified. When sinful anger is undealt with, bitterness, resentment, defiance or self-righteousness can take root. It’s important to plant God’s word deep in our hearts so it can transform our hearts and minds to equip us to deal correctly with our emotions. This is also where the power of community is crucial; we need others to expose sinful anger and to keep us accountable when we react out of our emotions, not the Holy Spirit. With God’s help we can learn to discipline our flesh and lean into patience, peace and kindness in our responses to others.
“Heavenly Father,
I’ve been living under the rule of my emotions, and my life reflects that.
I’m tired of the heartache, wasted time and opportunities because of my refusal to do things your way.
Forgive me, Lord. I submit to you for your ways are higher than mine and I need help!
Today, I sacrifice my desire to complain; I will not give in to emotions of despair, anger, hurt or revenge.
By an act of my will, I choose to love others with my actions, not just my words.
When I feel triggered, I commit to pausing until I find your peace and hear your voice.
I clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience so others can witness God working within me.
If I claim to love Christ, but don’t follow His ways, I am a liar for I am called to Obey.
This walk isn’t easy. It’s called the Narrow Path!
But I’ve submitted myself to Christ, and the Holy Spirit has my back.
In Jesus’ name, I will not quench His Spirit! I will keep my flame alive, but this can only happen one decision at a time.
Help me, Lord. My Spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. Stay with me, Lord until your work in me is complete. Amen.”
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:12-17
