Deactivating Triggersنموونە

Identifying the Root Cause of Runaway Emotions

“Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms. For they are a powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage.” (Ephesians 6:12, TPT)

Sometimes, there is far-reaching damage caused by things done or said to us by those who are supposed to love us, nurture us, and protect us. Do you feel gripped with fear, dread, bitterness, or anger much of the time? And honestly, you can’t even put a finger on one particular reason why? Do you often ache from the twist and grind of a perpetual knot of anxiousness in the pit of your stomach?

To end this vicious cycle, we must understand who the true culprit is in this unending pain and out-of-control emotional rollercoaster. First and foremost, remember that people are not our enemy. They each have their own demons to battle. To end our struggle, we need to learn to fight our true enemy with the weapons our Lord provided for us.

Putting on the full armor of God

In Ephesians, Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God:

“Put on God’s complete set of armor provided for us, so that you will be protected as you fight against the evil strategies of the accuser!” (Ephesians 6:11, TPT)

Verses 14-18 explain what comprises the full armor of God:

·The belt of truth—to guard against the lies and deceptions of the enemy.

·Breastplate of righteousness—holiness to cover and protect our hearts

·Shoes of the Gospel—our feet are always on alert to go share the gospel

·Shield of Faith—our wrap-around shield of protection from the evil one

·Helmet of Salvation—to protect our thoughts from the lies of the enemy

·Sword of the Spirit—razor-sharp weapon, which is the spoken Word

Activation:

Below are some simple suggestions to help stop the enemy from triggering harmful attitudes and reactions. Each one is a step to help put on the Full Armor of God.

1. Develop the habit of getting up a little earlier each day to study the Word and pray to develop a more intimate and stronger relationship with the Lord. Believe it or not, it will change your entire outlook for the day.

Jesus set this example for all of us:

“The next morning, Jesus got up long before daylight, left the house while it was dark, and made his way to a secluded place to give himself to prayer.” (Mark 1:35, TPT)

2. Greet everyone you meet with a smile and kind words, beginning with your family before you even leave the house. This is much easier once you’ve completed step 1.

"Greet one another with a kiss of peace. Peace to all who are in life union with Christ. Amen." (1 Peter 5:14, TPT)

“Love is large and incredibly patient. Love is gentle and consistently kind to all.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, TPT)

3. As you go through your day, be determined to keep your conversations on a positive note. Avoid gossip by just walking away or changing the subject. Remember, sometimes the enemy uses others to stir up negative emotions:

“And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them.” (Ephesians 4:29, TPT)

And remind them to never tear down anyone with their words or quarrel, but instead be considerate, humble, and courteous to everyone.” (Titus 3:2, TPT)

4. End your day in study and prayer. Even if the study is to just go back over the scriptures from the list above. Give God thanks for helping you through the day with less drama and emotional upheaval than you had the day before. You will see a marked difference in your ability to control your emotions as you focus on remaining calm and stopping to think before you speak. By this, I mean admitting and recognizing that the enemy controls us if we let him:

My Prayer for You:

Lord, release your Spirit to speak into this precious one seeking the truth about you. Let them feel your great love and passion to work miracles in their lives. Help them understand, through your Word, how incredibly proud you are of them and how you long to gather them into your family. Bless them beyond measure as they spend more and more time getting to know you and reveling in the comfort and peace of your love. Father, I ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our King. Amen.

Declaration:

I will rest in the knowledge of the Father’s complete and unwavering love for me and my loved ones. I will not hesitate to declare His works in my life. Peace and harmony will rule as I walk in the will of my Father. I will study His word to prove myself worthy of His love and interaction in my life. My household will flourish under the watchful eyes of His Spirit. I will praise and worship Him all the days of my life.