We all have emotions, but few people understand their true potential. Feelings can either make life enjoyable and exciting, or miserable and painful. However, we don’t have to let them pull and yank us around like puppets on a string. Understanding what God says in this area allows us to consciously choose the emotions that will take us where we want to go.

We master our emotions with joy and peace; we find these godly emotions when we study God’s Word long enough for it to have an effect on us. None of our lives are completely trouble-free; when trouble does surface, holding on to the joy we get only from God enables us to move through the hard times. We mustn’t let grief or sorrows weaken us; the joy of the Lord is our strength.

Our joy increases when we remember all the times God rescued and delivered us from trouble because of His favor toward us. We can use this emotion as a weapon to strengthen our faith. Being full of the kind of joy that only comes from Jesus keeps our emotions from spiraling out of control when the world hits us in the face. Jesus gave us His Word so that His joy might remain in us, and that our joy may be made full.

Peace is another spiritual weapon we have at our disposal. Peace is defined as security in the midst of turmoil; like joy, we get our peace from the Word. A relationship with Jesus, the Lord of peace, gives us peace always by all means.

Being in God’s presence brings us the peace we need to live in turbulent times. Letting the peace of God rule in our hearts gives us joy that won’t quit, no matter what happens in our lives. When we feel negative emotions trying to assert themselves, choosing to align our feelings with God’s Word gives us the upper hand.

Prayer:

Lord, the world is full of negative emotions, but we don’t have to be affected by them. Your Word gives us the peace and joy we need to make life beautiful. We’re thankful for this. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scriptures:

Nehemiah 8:10

John 15:11

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Colossians 3:15