In His Presence

What are emotions, and are they bad? Emotions are defined as 1) a conscious mental reaction (such as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body, 1)b: a state of feeling.  We are all emotional beings and are wired to feel. However, we can’t be tossed to and fro and allow for them to control us. We’ve already defined emotions; we can now answer the second question, are emotions bad? Feelings aren’t destructive in themselves; they are necessary for self-expression. The issue comes in when we allow our feelings to dictate our actions. I am an emotional person by nature, so it’s easy to let my feelings take the lead. I’ve noticed that when this occurs, I’m all over the place and not able to hear clearly from the Father.  How many of us know from experience that when our emotions lead us, we become filled with anxiety, we move prematurely, we say and do things that we later regret. This is not how the Father expects his children to respond. Yet this is how the enemy plays on our feelings and influences our minds. According to the word, we know that we are not to be anxious (experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome) for anything. Philippians 4:6-7.

I know it can be challenging to put into practice when you’re faced with some life trials- a bad medical report, the loss of a loved one, frustration with employment, loss of income, and the list goes on. However, the Father instructs us to cast our cares on Him, for He cares for us. 1 Peter 5:7. You and I are not built to carry the burdens of this life on our own-it’s futile. We were created with the very intention of being in a relationship with the Father. That’s exciting! The creator of the world wants to talk to Nakeia. Oh yeah, and you 😊. Often we take this privilege for granted and neglect communing with our Father. Let me let you in on a little secret in this union is where we gain wisdom, direction, insight, strategies, warnings, rejuvenation, restoration, and growth! Frustration, worry, anxiety, stress comes into play when we are disconnected from the vine. Yes, we will experience trials and tribulations, but Jesus told us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world! John 16:33

If you forgot, we are in a spiritual war, and there’s an enemy of our soul who seeks to destroy us. We’ll never give the enemy too much credit, but we have to expose his plans. The enemy cannot force us to do anything; however, he will harass and inundate our minds with worry, concern, doubt, and what-ifs if we allow him to. We’re instructed in Matthew 6:27-33 not to worry. What can fear do for us? Can it pay a bill? Can worry cause us to grow in height? Can anxiety produce anything beneficial? No, it cannot. Just as it says in Matthew and referenced in the song Jireh by Elevation Worship & Maverick City Music, the Father clothes the grass of the field; why would He not ensure that his children are clothed and are not lacking? Our Father loves us and will provide-so don’t you worry! We are called to renew our minds daily by reading the word of God. What other way will we be able to unlearn all of the responses and stinking thinking we’ve come accustomed to?

I am confident that you and I can live the abundant life that God the Father has for us! Instead of being ruled by our emotions, let’s get into his presence. For in His presence, there is fullness of joy; and at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Psalms 16:10-11)

I challenge you, my brother, my sister to get into His presence to calm your fears and anxiety and exchange it for the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.

Let’s pray,

Father, we thank you for having access to you through your son Jesus. Thank you for loving us when we didn’t even love ourselves. Please help us, Father, to be consistent in our walk with you. Help me, Father, to be consistent in all that I put my hands to. Father, forgive us for any sins that we may have committed and empower us to turn away from those things for good. We choose to bring our cares and concerns to you in exchange for your peace. We love you, and we give you praise in Jesus’ name, Amen!