Holy Emotions - Biblical Responses to Every ChallengeSample

David was a common man with an uncommon heart. He struggled with emotional outrage, just as you and I do. He stood on the edge of the black pit of depression times too numerous to count and thus, he knew what it took to battle the blahs as well. David chose to command his soul, which is the birthplace of our thoughts, emotions, and personality, to bless the Lord. This phrase is constructed in the imperative, which means that it is not an option but a definitive command. David was, in effect saying, "Soul, no matter how crummy you feel, you will bless the Lord! Personality, get over yourself and praise the Lord! Now! Emotions, shut your whining, complaining mouth and open up to worship the Lord!" Praise will reform the atmosphere of your life in a way that nothing else has the power to do. There are one person and one person alone who keeps you from rejoicing. You might try to blame it on the devil but he does not have the power to inhibit your heart from breaking into song. The devil actually has realized that he doesn't need to mute your ability to worship because this other person has done such a thorough job that the devil's devious ways are no longer needed. Who is this powerful inhibitor that stands between you and the symphonic explosion of worship? You! You do! You choose not to rejoice when you are consumed with the not-so-benign blahs. There is really only one reason why a Christian who loves Jesus wholeheartedly would choose not to rejoice. There is one reason that can be expressed in an infinite number of ways. Selfishness. Self-centered living. Self-awareness. Looking out for #1! Self-preservation. My way or the highway. Life is all about me. I don't feel like it. I don't gotta if I don't wanna. It is your choice. You choose to magnify yourself today or to magnify God. Choose today.