How to Deal with What You Feel

“To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace . . . Those who obey their human nature cannot please God.”

Romans 8:6, 8 (GNT)

When you give your heart to Jesus, that commitment includes your emotions, not just what you think and do. God’s Word gives four reasons we need to manage our emotions.

Your emotions can be unreliable. Not everything you feel is true or authentic.

Your emotions can be manipulated. If you’re always guided by your feelings, other people will take advantage of you. Worst of all, negative emotions are Satan’s favorite tool. He will use fear, resentment, and worry to wreak havoc in your life (1 Peter 5:8).

Your emotions can lead to bad decisions. When emotions rule your life, God doesn’t. If you make decisions based on how you feel, then God isn’t God in your life.

Your emotions can undermine your success. How many people do you know who ruined their reputation because of something they said in anger? Or who missed an opportunity because of a lack of self-control? (Proverbs 5:23).

So, when you give your heart to Jesus, also give him your emotions so he can help you manage them.

April 7 from Open Doors: A Year of Devotions