God has given us a variety of emotions to fill our lives. These emotions give us the ability to react to everything that happens to us—sometimes in a positive way and sometimes negative. However, we can’t let emotions control our lives and they can’t guide us in the right way. It takes a knowledge of God’s Word and a positive response to His Word to truly “feel good.” That is why when the Ethiopian eunuch learned and obeyed the Gospel, “he went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). He had a positive response to hearing the Gospel and knew he was saved when he obeyed (Rom. 1:16). Others, when hearing God’s Word respond negatively maybe because it makes them feel bad about their situation and they don’t want to change. When Jesus preached in the synagogue at Nazareth they “were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city” (Luke 4:28,29).
Emotions, in and of themselves, are not good or bad. In fact, even emotions that are not the most pleasant can be helpful to us. Fear is not an emotion that we desire, but it can help us to stay faithful knowing the consequences of disobedience (Luke 12:5). Feeling anxiety can be a problematic emotion when we are under pressure, but it can be used to help us stay alert and motivate us to solve problems (Rom. 13:11; 1 The. 5:6; 1 Pet. 5:8). But, if we allow anxiety to overwhelm us and control our lives in worry, we need to commit ourselves back to prayer and give those problems to God (Phi. 4:6,7). Disappointments will come to our lives, especially if we when we put too much confidence in others. Our family members and friends are subject to sin just like us and we must be aware of that and be gracious and forgiving (Eph. 4:32). “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psa. 118:8). There will even be moments of anger that we must face. Anger can be a healthy emotion ultimately in cooperating with others. If it is justified and expressed in a controlled way, then conflicts can be resolved in the appropriate way. This will allow for greater understanding from each person, allowing for less conflict in the future. Paul was angry with Barnabas causing them to separate for a while (Acts 15:39); yet later he showed respect for Barnabas commending him (Col. 4:10).
The best emotions of delight (Psa. 37:4), affection (Rom. 12:10), joy (Psa. 5:11), love (1 Cor. 13:13), peace (Gal. 5:22), and happiness (Psa. 144:15) will come and go throughout our lives. Even the most faithful Christian will have difficult days and feel down at times. It is in those times that we need to remind ourselves that bad experiences are really only “light affliction” and it is only happening “for a moment” (2 Cor. 4:17). We can be strong in the Lord and know that He has promised the faithful a place with Him (Eph. 6:10; John 14:2,3). That’s why He has said, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14).
~Derrick Coble
Emotions, in and of themselves, are not good or bad. In fact, even emotions that are not the most pleasant can be helpful to us. Fear is not an emotion that we desire, but it can help us to stay faithful knowing the consequences of disobedience (Luke 12:5). Feeling anxiety can be a problematic emotion when we are under pressure, but it can be used to help us stay alert and motivate us to solve problems (Rom. 13:11; 1 The. 5:6; 1 Pet. 5:8). But, if we allow anxiety to overwhelm us and control our lives in worry, we need to commit ourselves back to prayer and give those problems to God (Phi. 4:6,7). Disappointments will come to our lives, especially if we when we put too much confidence in others. Our family members and friends are subject to sin just like us and we must be aware of that and be gracious and forgiving (Eph. 4:32). “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psa. 118:8). There will even be moments of anger that we must face. Anger can be a healthy emotion ultimately in cooperating with others. If it is justified and expressed in a controlled way, then conflicts can be resolved in the appropriate way. This will allow for greater understanding from each person, allowing for less conflict in the future. Paul was angry with Barnabas causing them to separate for a while (Acts 15:39); yet later he showed respect for Barnabas commending him (Col. 4:10).
The best emotions of delight (Psa. 37:4), affection (Rom. 12:10), joy (Psa. 5:11), love (1 Cor. 13:13), peace (Gal. 5:22), and happiness (Psa. 144:15) will come and go throughout our lives. Even the most faithful Christian will have difficult days and feel down at times. It is in those times that we need to remind ourselves that bad experiences are really only “light affliction” and it is only happening “for a moment” (2 Cor. 4:17). We can be strong in the Lord and know that He has promised the faithful a place with Him (Eph. 6:10; John 14:2,3). That’s why He has said, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14).
~Derrick Coble