Wow! My last post really hit a nerve with many of you, and I’ve received so many thoughtful emails. The topic of the power of emotions has touched a chord with women all over the country. Praise God for the healing that’s taking place!
A few days ago, Jennifer Beckham was featured on The James Robison Show, and she shared a powerful statement that changed how I view the power of emotions. Years ago, Jennifer worked as a Disney princess, and her job required her to be bubbly, exuberant, and full of life. But one day, she didn’t “feel” like being any of those things. Overwhelmed by the struggles of life, she expressed her feelings to her manager, saying, “I don’t feel like a princess today, and I don’t feel like being here.”
Her manager’s response was one that has stayed with me ever since: “Who ever asked you to feel? You were chosen to do this job, go wash your face and change your attitude.”
This response shifted my perspective on the power of emotions.
Too often, we let our feelings dictate our actions and decisions. We give our emotions too much control. For example, if you don’t feel in love anymore, the solution might seem like divorce. Or maybe you don’t feel supported by your church, so you leave. Perhaps you’re exhausted from being a parent and just want to quit. These are all examples of how the power of emotions can influence our choices if we let them. But what if, instead of letting emotions control us, we took charge of them?
My Own Struggle With the Power of Emotions
I had a similar experience recently when I was invited to minister before a large group of people. The power of emotionswas working against me. My confidence in God was being overshadowed by doubt and fear. I felt insecure and unsure about my ability to minister effectively. The event was so important that I didn’t even tell anyone about it—just in case I flubbed it—can you say P-R-I-D-E?
I came close to canceling, but then I remembered the words from Jennifer Beckham’s manager, “Who cares how I feel?” I was chosen to do this, so I decided to change my attitude and push through. In the end, God was glorified. Isn’t that what it’s all about? The power of emotions could have kept me from moving forward, but with God’s help, I didn’t let them.
Faith and Feelings: The Oppositional Force in Christian Life
Faith and feelings are often oppositional forces in the Christian walk. Faith is about trusting in God’s promises, even when our emotions scream the opposite. The power of emotions can deceive us, telling us that we are not enough, not worthy, or not capable. However, our faith tells us we are chosen, loved, and equipped for God’s purpose. This tension between faith and feelings is evident throughout scripture. In Hebrews 11:1, we learn that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Our feelings, on the other hand, often lead us to focus on what we can see, what we can feel, and what we perceive as our limitations.
In moments of doubt, the power of emotions can tell us to give up, but our faith calls us to stand firm and trust God’s plan. For instance, when we feel unworthy to fulfill a calling, faith reminds us that God doesn’t call the equipped—He equips the called. We must choose faith over feelings, remembering that our feelings are fleeting, but God’s truth is everlasting.
The Power of Emotions and How They Influence Us
Let’s be real—the power of emotions can have a strong grip on us. Sometimes it feels like our emotions are running the show. Take, for example, a situation where you’re about to make a significant life decision. Your emotions might tell you to run away from a difficult relationship, quit a job that challenges you, or make an impulsive decision out of fear. But when we allow the power of emotions to dominate, we risk making choices that are not aligned with God’s will.
Consider a time when I was in a deep struggle and didn’t feel like moving forward. I had made mistakes, I was overwhelmed by guilt, and I didn’t feel like I could keep going. But then I realized that the power of emotions was trying to anchor me in the past. That’s when I chose to rise above it and rely on God’s strength, even though my feelings told me otherwise. When we choose faith over our emotions, we align ourselves with God’s purpose for our lives.
Changing Your Perspective on the Power of Emotions
I want to encourage you to look at the power of emotions from a different perspective. Instead of letting them control you, learn to manage them with God’s help. Acknowledge how you feel, but don’t allow those feelings to define your actions. Every day, we’re faced with situations where our emotions can either guide us in the right direction or pull us away from God’s path. Remember that you don’t have to feel ready or equipped to move forward in faith. What matters is that you take the step in obedience, trusting God to give you the strength.
You are not defined by your emotions, and your emotions do not dictate your worth or abilities. In Psalm 34:18, we are reminded that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Even when our emotions feel overwhelming, God is near to us, ready to heal our hearts and strengthen us. The power of emotions may feel like a burden, but with God, we can turn our emotions over to Him and find peace.
Conclusion: The Power of Emotions and Moving Forward in Faith
As Christian women, the power of emotions is a daily challenge. But I encourage you not to let your emotions control your life or your decisions. Choose to live by faith, trusting that God has equipped you for the journey. When you feel uncertain, remember that God is with you, guiding you every step of the way. So, next time the power of emotions tries to overwhelm you, stand firm in your faith. Trust in God’s promises, and remember that you are chosen for His purpose. Take a deep breath, wash your face, and move forward with confidence, knowing that God has already equipped you for the task at hand.
Let’s take the power of emotions and learn to overcome them, keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord and His plan for us. Feelings will fade, but faith will sustain us forever.
Additional Scriptures:
Hebrews 11:1 (BibleGateway)
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Psalm 34:18 (BibleGateway)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Romans 8:28 (BibleGateway)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Isaiah 41:10 (BibleGateway)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Thanks so much for reading! Be sure to comment and subscribe.
Wow, that resonated with me about my feelings and emotions. WE can change our attitude and not allow our feelings to control us. We have that power, we just need to find that strength.