How to Successfully Manage Conflicting Emotions with God’s Truth
I tend to think a day is good or bad, easy or difficult, filled with fun or boring. It’s not that I’m unaware of experiencing more than one emotion in a day. However, I generally perceive one emotion outweighs and supersedes all others.
Dual Emotions
God has reminded me through the process of moving that each of us can feel conflicting emotions at the same time. We can be excited while feeling fearful. We can know hope while grieving. In addition, we can definitely know joy while weeping tears of sorrow.
As I thought about what I was experiencing, I recognized I am not the only one weathering these emotional combinations. If you are an empty nester, you possibly experience the joy of your children engaging with the world as adults, while you also grieve the emptiness of your home. If you are a new parent, you probably delight over your baby and, in addition, you are fearful of your ability to raise your child well. If you have recently moved or gotten a new job you view your new situation with hope and anticipation, however, you could also long for the way things once were.
Managing Conflicting Emotions
God has consistently reminded me of four truths to enable me to manage these conflicting thoughts and feelings.
- God is with me.
- God knows me and values me.
- God wants to transform me to be more like Jesus.
- God’s mercies are new every day.
God is With Us
First of all, when my emotions swing, or I feel more emotional than rational, I find encouragement when I consider I am not alone. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” (CSB) God tells us He goes into whatever circumstance we face before us.
Therefore, I can conclude, God knew exactly all my sweet Pastor husband and I would face when we decided to follow His lead and move. The Spirit never left us to figure anything out on our own. In addition, He continues to be with us. When I choose to seek Him and learn from Him, I am able, with His grace and power, to conquer my fears and defeat discouragement.
God Knows Us and Values Us
Second, I am grateful God knows me well and He values me. Many of us are familiar with Psalms 139. In these 24 verses we learn God understands all our thoughts, He is aware of all we do, and He even knows what we will say before we open our mouths. In verse 17, the Psalmist states, “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered.” (NLT)
Vantage Point of Love
When I think about my children I always think about them from a vantage point of love. I do not agree with everything they say and do. However, because I love them, I remain curious about their point of view. In addition, since I believe they enhance my life, I willingly examine my point of view and consider if it needs to be adapted.
God always sees us from a vantage point of love. Therefore, He is curious about what we think. He is also willing to work with us, help us, and adapt to our needs. I’m not stating we can change God’s mind; He is all wise and always knows best. However, God desires we know of His faithful love, mercy, and compassion toward us because He loves us and values us.
We are not Disqualified from God’s Love
I know at times I have told myself God loves me because He has to. After all, He is GOD. I have believed the lie that my fear, anger, discouragement, or uncertainty disqualifies me from holding value in God’s sight.
God tells us in His Word, through story after story, that God doesn’t view us as we view others or ourselves. Even though Gideon was the least in his family and hiding in fear, God chose to use him. God used both Moses and David in spite of the fact that they were murderers. In addition, God used Elijah and Jonah though both tried to run away when circumstances were not what they wanted nor expected.
Emotions as Indicators
I believe our negative emotions can be red flags reminding us we no longer live in Eden. We are all born with a sinful human nature, and we daily face choices to either honor God or not honor God. Additionally, our positive emotions can remind us God is still good, and He blesses our lives in so many ways. He loves us, and He values us, period.
God Transforms Us
Third, God always moves and works in my life to transform me into Christ’s likeness. God may or may not arrange certain circumstances. However, He uses all things to teach me, and form me, so that my life reflects who He is to others (Romans 8:28).
We are all in process. We are not who we once were, nor are we yet what God intends for us to be. Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians, “…let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:23-24, NLT)
My conflicting emotions remind me I have not yet reached God’s full expression of His Kingdom. I am still on a journey, just as we all are. God traverses our journey with us. In addition, He teaches us the way to go and provides what we need whatever we may face. We live with and in the goodness of God as He transforms our life so that others can also see and experience His goodness. Even when our emotions are seemingly in conflict.
New Mercies Every Morning
Finally, God’s mercies are new every morning. I would be wholly untruthful if I did not confirm I fail often. I often allow my emotions to dictate how I choose to face my day. Time after time, I lean into my feelings for how I will treat another person rather than the truth that he or she is created in the image of God.
“Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, ‘The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.’”
Lamentations 3:22-24, CSB
God reassures us He is always ready to forgive. We don’t need to catch Him on the right day or in the right mood. When any of us fail, God is faithful to forgive when we recognize He is the portion we need to live abundantly and freely.
Journey of a Lifetime
I’m not on the other side of my dual emotions yet. I do experience days when I can say I enjoy my new place and position in life. However, I am not there every day. I continue on this journey of transformation.
However, God continues to affirm He is with me. He knows me and values me. He continues to transform me patiently, kindly, and compassionately. In addition, God faithfully gives me new mercies every morning. He forgives me when I come to Him with a repentant spirit, acknowledging Him as my portion.
And whatever God does for me, He will do for you. You can trust Him; you can put your hope in Him. “O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for you help.” Psalms 86:5, CSB
Conflicting Emotions Photo by Planet Volumes on Unsplash
Good stuff, Nancy. Thanks for reminding me that my many failures don’t cause God to abandon me. I’m grateful that He continues to urge me to draw closer to Him.
I hear you Karen! I’ve had to remind myself all this week that God is with me, over and over. I too am so grateful that He continues to draw me closer. I’m working on prepping a room just for you to come visit!
Thank you Nancy I look forward to your posts and always helps in my daily activities, today’s post especially You reminding me how important to get into the word and and trusting God
Thanks so much for sharing Sandy! I’m glad you are reading what I write and that God is using it in your life!