Emotions Shift Where You Aim
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about all these things. Philippians 4:8
Considering our emotions is so important. I recently did a Bible study on emotions, and I was struck by how Jesus had experienced all of them righteously. That means actually that it is possible for us to experience our emotions without the inevitable end of sinful response. But, how? How do we bring these emotions that spring up in times of anger, or frustration, or desire under control?
We think on good things. Do you know a Negative Nancy? Someone who is perpetually negative even over positive things, finding fault, worrying about outcomes, afraid of the ball dropping? Why are they like that? Their aim is off. If you consider the opposite of this, Positive Patty can find the good in any situation. She could lose everything and still find the good in it, even in the suffering. This is someone who has their emotions shifted in the right direction.
I think most of us are a mix of both of these person types. I know depending on the day, sometimes I can be negative and sometimes, I am positive. Generally, and over time my life has shifted to mostly positive, and I think that is because God has helped me bring my thoughts captive and helped me redirect the path of my wrath. God is directing where we aim our emotions, to bring us into the light. Praying in the midst of my negative, I can quickly shift my aim. What seemed like a desperate situation suddenly has hope on the horizon.
Part of balancing our life, is balancing the emotions that hit us on a daily basis. Also, the ones that come out of the wellsprings of our hearts. You know the ones we have stuffed way down deep that come out when a car cuts you off in traffic or you drop something on your toe. We all have them, and we all have unhealed wounds that need tending too. If they are not, then emotions take over, and they are not a good measure of anything. Emotions lie to you about reality.
We balance the emotions by aiming up. By following this verse, whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, we shift our aim etc. If I am aiming low; low self-esteem, angry at someone, frustrated about lack of sales then the trajectory of my aim is down, away from the truth. If I shift it to “I am made in His Image, I am fearfully and wonderfully made” then my self-esteem rises. If I forgive the one, I am angry at, I might discover I had some part in it. If I just continue to work hard unto the Lord, the sales come. Suddenly the trajectory of emotional aim rises upward, heavenward.
Let’s make it a normal part of our day to consider our aim. What am I feeling? Why am I feeling this way? How can I aim higher? This will inevitably shift our eye to find the light in the darkness and bring peace to our soul.
Heavenly Father, help us find our way in the dark to always be reaching for the light. Aiming our emotions on better, wiser, more positive. Seeking the good, the hope, the future instead of sifting the dirt at our feet with eyes held low. We want to always praise to you for we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us balance our emotions by always considering our aim and seeking your wisdom to guide us towards the target, towards you, towards heaven.
Stay Beautiful, Susanne
Susanne Moore 