Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24, 25).
Emotions are normal. Along with negative emotions of fear and pain, we also experience emotions of happiness and elation. Emotions give life its flavor. We wouldn't want to be emotionless; however, we often are trapped by negative emotions. We find ourselves in an emotional pit of fear, shame, anxiety and anger and we don't know how to get out.
The way out is the same way we got in. The negative thoughts in our minds created negative emotions. Those lingering negative emotions became a stronghold on our day to day lives. The way out of that emotional pit is through a change of thinking. Emotions always follow thoughts. If you are angry, it's because you are thinking angry thoughts. If you're jealous, it's because you are thinking jealous thoughts, and so on.
So how do we break free from emotional bondage? Today's scripture tells us. Jesus said:
Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24, 25).
Freedom comes through putting the words of Jesus into action. Notice this statement of Jesus is a "feelings-neutral" statement. Feelings aren't mentioned at all.
Many people rely on their feelings to decide what they want to do. But that's a dangerous way to make decisions. Truth needs to be the driver, not feelings. Why? Because feelings follow thoughts. Feelings have no intellect. They can't tell the difference between fact and fantasy. They can't discern the past from the present or the future. Relying on feelings can lead to very bad decisions, which can lead to deeper emotional pain.
That's why the Bible tells us to live by faith. Faith puts the words of Jesus into action, regardless of what you are feeling. As you act on that truth, your mind will be renewed and your feelings will follow.
The battleground is in your mind. You have a choice everyday to believe truth or error. You are bombarded every day with all kinds of lies. But you also have the truth living in you, Jesus Christ himself. Listen to him and let his truth set you free.
Jesus Christ wants you to build your life on him and his word. Listen to what he tells you today and put his words into practice, regardless of your feelings. Then you will build your life on the solid rock that will withstand the storms of life. And, as a result, your emotions will become emotions of confidence, peace, and joy.
In Him,
Bob Christopher