Life IS...Sample

Life IS... Dealing with Your Emotions

Life has a way of teaching us many lessons.  In particular, one lesson is we must learn to deal with our emotions, or our emotions will deal with us.  Should the latter happen, it can sometimes manifest in unhealthy ways and when we least expect it.

Years ago, I agreed to go to a holistic medical facility with a friend for 10 days.  The purpose was to undergo detoxification and rejuvenation of my mind, body, and spirit.  One of the first things I did was take a series of tests to determine my overall health.  I was surprised to learn in my results that I was severely stressed out. The results were so serious that the doctor informed me that stress could weaken the heart and the brain over a period of time.  

In my case, I was subconsciously harboring emotions for years that were toxic and had started to manifest in the form of sickness and disease in my body. For example, when someone close to me would say something that I didn't like, many times I wouldn't say anything to keep the peace.  Instead of finding a way to have a conversation with the person, I would have the conversation internally. My unaddressed emotions, coupled with other things in life, started to build up and release toxins in my body that negatively impacted my body.

I left the facility determined to make some changes and start handling things differently.  Easier said than done, right? These emotions didn't occur overnight, and neither was the healing process. I had to embrace the process of changing if I wanted to see lasting change in my life.  I am learning to say what is on my mind, especially when it comes to my closest relationships with family and friends, instead of holding it in. 

What are you holding in, not addressing, or keeping you from being healthy? What parts of your past, insecurities, or negative habits are keeping you bound? God wants to cleanse you, redefine you, and give you the power to deal with your pain so you can experience true freedom!

I pray that sharing my experiences will help others struggling to deal with certain emotions in their own lives. For me, fear, bitterness, and anger were the emotions I struggled with the most.  

Whatever yours are, none of them are worth enduring the long-term effects that can be inflicted within our bodies or upon our lives.  My prayer is that you will find the courage to deal with those emotions that prevent you from truly being free before it's too late.

In Genesis, Joseph experienced incredible adversity that could have left him resentful, bitter, and cynical. Instead, he chose to trust God, forgive those who hurt him and chose a divine perspective on his pain, which prepared him to step into his purpose at the perfectly appointed time.

In life, things will happen. It's how you respond to those things that will make a difference in your life.

Reflection:

As a result of something negative in your life, what emotions have you allowed to attach themselves to you?

Prayer:

Father, there are some emotions that I have suppressed in my life, without realizing the long-term effects that this could cause.  Help me deal with these emotions, learn how to let go and trust you to heal the wounded areas in my soul.  In Jesus' name, Amen.