Emotions - Can You Trust Them?

I have to be honest. I don't feel like doing anything today. After working out this morning, I feel drained. With muscles like jelly, there is nothing I would  like better than to declare a national holiday: Do Nothing Day.

But I really DO have things I need to get done. Have you ever been there? I found myself involved in an intense struggle. Fortunately, I came to a conclusion in the morning, before too much of the day had slipped away. The truth? Feelings come and go. I can't let my feelings dictate what I do.

God created people with emotions. But they are not to control us. This is an age-old battle. Even the Apostle Paul wrote, "For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do," (Romans 7:19; KJV). God's remedy? "...Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh," (Galatians 5:16).

What does it look like to walk in the Spirit? If I'm living my life in step with the Spirit, I'll produce some things: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Galatians 5:22-23). A light bulb moment. Do you get it?

Living by my feelings puts my needs first. Walking in the Spirit, gives me the ability to focus on others and their needs.

Remember Nabal and his wife, Abigail? A husband and wife faced with the same situation, but they had  radically different responses. David had protected Nabal's shepherds while they were in the wilderness together. Later, when David was in need of provisions, he sent his men to greet Nabal and ask him to provide for their needs. Nabal allowed his emotions to rule his response, "Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse? there be many servants now a days that break away every man from his master. Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my flesh that I have killed for my shearers, and give it unto men, whom I know not whence they be?" (1 Samuel 25:10-11). Nabal thought only of himself.

Abigail's response was totally different. When she heard that David's men had been there, and learned of her husband's evil response, she immediately went to work. She pulled together enough food for a small army, and set out after David and his men. She took it upon herself to apologize for her husband's rude behavior, praising David for following the Lord. Abigail was focused on the needs of others.

Although I'm not in a situation like Nabal and Abigail, how I respond to the circumstances I face, is just as important. I have a choice to make, will I allow myself to be controlled by my emotions, or will I walk in the Spirit? Today, I choose to give the Spirit full control!

Do you allow your emotions to control you? What step will you take today to walk in the Spirit?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me with emotions. Help me to control my emotions and walk in the Spirit. Let the story of Nabal and Abigail remind me of the importance of putting others ahead of myself. In Jesus' name, Amen.