By Candida Sullivan

Columnist

So often we just accept whatever that comes our way without even questioning it. We assume because we are feeling a certain way, that our emotions are the truth. But just because I am feeling a certain way right now doesn’t make my emotions true.

I might feel afraid when there is no danger.

The enemy works through our emotions. He often uses emotions of hatred, anger, worries, jealousy, fear, envy, etc. to come between us and God. As long as we are focused on those emotions, then we are not thinking about compassion, love, joy, peace, etc.

Regardless of what happens to us, we get to decide how we want to feel. We can embrace the emotions which cause us more pain, or we can embrace the emotions that release us from our pain. When I am really struggling with a certain situation, then I go through my Bible and read the verses that pertain to my struggle. For example, if I am struggling with forgiveness, then I read verses about forgiveness. I also read the verses that are the opposite of what I am feeling. If I’m feeling fearful, then I read about peace.

Galatians 5:22 (KJV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Anything contrary to the fruit of the spirit is not of God. Therefore, I want to dismiss those emotions quickly. While I can’t always do it on my own, I know that if I cry out to God then He will help me. We always have the power to choose a new thought. The enemy can attack us with different circumstances, but he doesn’t get to decide how we are going to feel. That is our choice.

As children of God, we have such a beautiful gift. At any time we can cry out to our Father, and He will help us with our struggles. We can give it all to Him—our fears, our hatred, our anger, our worries, our hardships, etc. God can take our heartaches and turn them into blessings.

Candida Sullivan is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker, and certified life coach. Her book, Despite Your Circumstances, won the 2016 CSPA book of the year award. It is her passion to help others learn to overcome their own circumstances. She lives in Tennessee with her husband and children. If you’d like to contact her, please email her at candida@candidasullivan.com.