Stay on Target

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When the Walls Are Crumbling 

Nehemiah 8:10b (NLT) “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”

When our walls are torn down around us, like Nehemiah describes, and our enemies seem to press in on us, it is easy to give way to dejection and sadness. 

We have this problem you see: we believe in the illusion of control, mainly that we have some.

We don’t. 

Not over circumstances, not over other people’s opinions, not over our kids, not over our spouses. 

Stay on Target! Stay on Target!

I picture my life as an old-fashioned target. I am the middle, my immediate family is one ring out, then the next ring is work/church friends, the next ring acquaintances and local community and the outer ring, the world at large. 

Can I control what happens on the first ring or the second? NO! I can only influence. The only thing I can control is in that center space; the bull’s-eye: aka ME. 

So when things are not going the way we think they should, the way we planned them to be, feelings like dejection, sadness, despair, loneliness, fear, and anguish are common. 

These emotions are a part of living in a broken world. But releasing these to God is what allows us to become free. Jesus said in Matthew 16:24 we must deny ourselves. In this society that seems like a tall order, but therein lies real freedom and joy. 

Preaching to myself...

I am in no way saying I have this down…no way. I am speaking to myself here as well. Emotions are heady things, but they are not what should control us. But emotions are a soul issue that needs to be conquered. 

We are not supposed to be quick to anger. (Proverbs 15:18) I am guilty of that one. 

We are supposed to use soft words to turn other’s wrath away, ummm, haven’t perfected that yet. (Proverbs 15:1) 

We are supposed to never go to bed angry, failed at that one a time or two in nearly 18 years of marriage. (Ephesians 4:26) 

We are not supposed to be tossed by every wave, (Matthew 14:24) yet many of us, and I include myself; have ridden the emotional roller coasters that frankly leave us with emotional whiplash. 

Think about it! 

What we DO have control over is our thoughts. We have to make a   conscious effort to turn our thoughts away from the tumultuous emotions, and remember what God says.

Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” 

Some emotions if allowed to fester bring on conditions that can have effects on our health and relationships. Depression is something I know about. Both my husband and I have battled it. This is no easy thing. 

It is not just you! 

The psalmist David knew what this was too: first, seeing King Saul go through depression, and then his battle with it later in life.

Depression is living in that head space that allows unchecked thoughts and emotions to grow into a debilitating condition, that if not stopped can rob you of more than your joy, it can rob you of your life. Psalms 94:19 says “In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.” 

We are a spirit, we live in a body, and we have a soul. God is concerned foremost with the spirit, but He comforts our soul. (Our mind, our will and our EMOTIONS) 

Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

A Child of the King

Reigning in emotions is a battle I believe that every human, while on this earth, has an issue with, no matter who they are. However, if you know WHOSE you are you can learn to rely less on them and more on the Father and His word. John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” 

I know it has been said many times, many different ways, but LET GO AND LET GOD! Let God free you of every hindrance in your life, every fetter that holds you down, and let the chains of emotional baggage fall away as you (and I) turn our eyes toward Him. 

So Stay on target and remember that aim is a verb. 

Question: 

Do you have a hard time taming your emotions? Leave a comment below. 

IF anyone you know is battling depression, please seek the advice of a medical professional. If someone you know is suicidal, call or go online to the National Suicide Hotline at http://suicidehotlines.com/national.html 1-800-273-TALK (8255).