A kaleidoscope of emotions often chase each other around in our minds robbing us of the peace that passes all understanding when we give full sway to them. Be it anger, fear, worry (among other emotions possible) that can toss us into depression and catch us in a miry bog that threatens to pull us into its whirlpool-like vise grip and never let us go, stealing us of overcoming victory.
Unless ...
Unless a follower of Jesus Christ comes to understand the difference between experiencing emotional conflict and being overwhelmed by our emotions. True there is much in our lives and this world that instigates our various emotions to rise up. Yet we have the Holy Spirit's help to help us have self-control in each area of our lives.
When we experience the various conflicting emotions we can ask ourselves what is the source or cause thereof. Can the irritant be removed? If not, have we sought the Lord's intervention and even 'vented' to Him? Have we looked for a trusted friend to help see us through and/or sung praise to the Lord especially for the good He is and has done in our lives? Have we prayed, thanked and trusted God? These are ways to counter being sucked into destructive thought patterns and behavior.
The apostle Paul was one of those brothers who could have easily succumbed to negative joy-gutting emotions. When we read in Acts and even in some of his letters to the various assemblies of believers, all the hardship and persecution he endured would be enough to push him under. Yet he didn't go to those places.
Instead, as he wrote to the Corinthians,
"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere" (2 Corinthians 2:14).
Giving thanks and praise to God was Paul's antidote. Notice the adverb 'always'. He made it a habit to give thanks to God. God will then 'always' lead him to victory. See that? I like the phrase "triumphal procession". It means "they won" and you can win too.
A big difference then between emotional conflict and being overwhelmed by our emotions seems to be in large part, giving thanks to God!
Sound too easy and as if someone doesn't understand your plight? It's not like that though. Unless we begin to make even small steps in praising the Lord and giving Him thanks, a thankful heart habit will not begin to form let alone win. I implore you all to begin today. It is a choice, please choose this better way (see The Depression Emotion blog entry).
Lord Jesus, today, this very day, I choose to begin a regimen that builds habits of giving you thanks and praise as you lead me into triumphal procession as you did for the apostle Paul. As the fragrance of the knowledge of You was spread everywhere by Paul's victories, may I too spread the aroma of Christ wherever I go. I ask in Your name Lord Jesus, amen.
~ ERC March 2025 ~
Based on 2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV and Counseling Friends in Need by Harold J. Sala, Chapter 8 Questions.
Sing, Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart, along with Matgdalene Shodavara.
Memorize 2 Corinthians 2:14 to remind yourself daily of giving thanks to God.
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