Are emotions ruling in your life?
Many of us go through the motions of life and can’t seem to find true happiness. Where does this bliss come from? Does it come from some big promotion or vicariously living through a celebrity on Twitter or Facebook? When it ends, do you find yourself craving more stuff to feel better or ignite those good ol' happy feelings?
If we are honest with ourselves, we are all guilty.
Regardless of the vice, the buzz of euphoric joy usually dissipates after we receive good news or when we finally get our breakthrough. What happens when you feel like heaven is silent or you are on a emotional roller coaster when plans are derailed? During that time we need the Word to sustain us, when our feelings won’t cooperate and want to flare up when nothing is going right.
You were meant to be more than a mere survivor, right? So let’s get on with it! Here are a few simple and practical ways to become a happier Christian.
Help Me, I Need a Break!
Not everyone can hop on a plane to get away from the hassles of life.
It’s even harder when it’s you that you need to get away from! If your thoughts go from zero to 60 in seconds, find a scripture that speaks to you and mediate on it.
Post-it Notes are great way to do this. Post the scripture everywhere you can.
When I was in need of peace of mind, I posted a favorite scripture on the dashboard of my car, phones, mirror and even put a note with it in my purse.
The constant reflection of scriptures of your choice will sink into your spirit and take root when those thoughts come knocking and work to sour your emotions. Take a walk and think on the scripture(s).
The local park is a great place for a quick gateway and where nature can sooth emotional flare-ups.
Give it up and Rejoice
When you have done all you can in your circumstances--give it up to God.
This is so hard because we want to take control, but laying your prayers down will give you a sense of release and that God is the author of your story.
Speak the Word of God over your life out loud. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). The scripture in Philippians 4:19 has also helped me.
I would speak this frequently over my life and throughout my day such as:
"This world doesn’t dictate whether my needs are met.
They are met according to the riches and glory by Christ Jesus (paraphrased).
I don’t care what my bank account says
and I don’t care what the economists say “Greater is He in me than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
My God is greater than these circumstances!
Take the Social Media Break
Shut the computer off and fast social media for a while.
Yes you can do this!
With so much vying for your attention,
unplugging for a time will help you invest in other things like God, friends, family and yourself.
Share The Love
Ouch! Give of yourself a little more? You have to be kidding?
As hard as this is, getting your mind off of yourself and serving others will make you feel better.
Try a simple act of sowing a seed into another person's life.
Maybe you can pay for a single mom’s groceries, buying someone a gas card,
or giving a word of encouragement--it will get your mind off your own worries.
When you meet another persons needs, God will meet yours. Yes, you will feel better.
A Little Prose
You don’t have to be a poet to write down your struggles or thoughts on paper.
Don’t hold anything back. Use colored markers.
The different colors often depict the emotions you are feeling.
Releasing anxiety through a rant book, I call it; can help you be honest with yourself and God.
This is another good way for you to reflect on how God has answered your prayers over time.
Then go back in your writings and put the date God answered those prayers.
It will encourage you when you’re feeling bewildered.
Morning Prayer
Building a deeper relationship with God takes time.
Morning time reflection is a great way to spend time reading and praying.
It’s worth getting up a little earlier to build yourself up before starting your day.
A nice cup of coffee or tea and reading the Bible or devotional will do wonders for your moods and anxiety. Also letting go of offenses and strife will help you continue to grow during prayer.
Ask God if there is anything hindering your prayer life and walk.
Be quick to repent (as hard as it is),
but avoid condemnation because through Jesus Christ we are free!
Get Real
That’s right--throw it all out there!
It’s not like God doesn’t know what you’re thinking.
We tend to wear masks in the world. Stop hiding.
Start talking to God openly if you are angry,
frustrated or becoming bitter towards your unanswered prayers.
Speak Positive Words over Your Life, Situation
Confess favor and wisdom over your situation.
Build yourself up. “Just like Daniel had favor and success I (name) will have favor and success”.
Again, find scripture that encourages you and confess it.
Praise God, although your emotions are screaming for you to “shut up”.
That’s right--throw it all out there! It’s not like God doesn’t know what you’re thinking.
We tend to wear masks in the world, start talking to God openly if you are angry,
frustrated or becoming bitter towards your unanswered prayers
