Overcoming Negative Emotions with the Word of God September 1

In this discussion, I want to explore how we can harness the power of the Word of God to overcome negative emotions, particularly fear. The quickest method I employ for this is by placing unwavering faith in Jesus when he unequivocally stated, "Do not fear" (John 14).

Fear possesses a unique ability to stifle our faith rapidly. It is perhaps why Jesus repeatedly admonished us against giving in to fear. He emphasized this in the book of John, specifically in John 14, reminding us that we will face tribulations in the world. Nevertheless, we are encouraged to take heart because he has triumphed over the world. The Bible reassures us that through him, we are not just conquerors, but more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

Additionally, the Scriptures teach us that we can thwart the schemes of the devil through the power of the Lamb's blood and the Word of God, all while not clinging excessively to our own lives (Revelation 12:11). When anxiety creeps in, we can cast all our worries upon God, for He cares deeply for us (1 Peter 5:7). The Bible instructs us not to be anxious about anything but to present our requests to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, promising that a peace surpassing understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).

Emotions, if left unchecked, can obstruct us from receiving physical manifestations of healing, financial provision, wisdom, and divine guidance. However, we can employ the Word of God to counteract emotions that run counter to God's will and our deepest desires. Ultimately, our desire should be to align ourselves with God's will. To achieve this, we are urged not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewing our minds, enabling us to discern and embrace God's good, perfect, and acceptable will. This transformation occurs through meditating on God's Word, worshipping the Lord, fellowshipping with believers, and maintaining continuous communication with God (Romans 12:2).

The Bible further encourages us to "rejoice in the Lord always," as reiterated by the apostle Paul in the book of Philippians, even during adverse circumstances. This implies steering clear of negative emotions that stem from a preoccupation with worldly concerns. To fortify ourselves spiritually, we are instructed to don the complete armor of God: the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the sandals of peace (Ephesians 6:10-18). After arming ourselves thus, we must remember to pray and deliberately focus on positive thoughts rather than negative ones.

God provides clear guidance for us, urging us to choose life over death. He sets before us the options of life and death and implores us to choose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). While the devil seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus offers us abundant life and liberty from the chains that ensnare us (John 10:10, Galatians 5:1). In summary, we have the power to reject fear, regardless of negative reports from various sources. Instead, we can choose God's way, confident that He will make a path where there seems to be none. By embracing positive emotions and aligning our spirit and soul with God's Word, we can transform our physical circumstances from the inside out. Remember that we are made up of spirit, soul, and body, and when our spirit and soul align with God, our bodies will follow suit. Even if we falter, we can always turn things around by refocusing on the Lord, who is ever ready to lift us out of any situation.

So, I choose the Lord. I align my emotions with joy and thanksgiving, directing them toward God and His Word, which unequivocally states, "Do not fear" (John 14). This choice encompasses rejecting all the negative emotions that accompany fear. I believe in the Lord, and in every circumstance, I rejoice, offer thanks, praise, worship, and surrender myself to Him.