How to Overcome Negative Feelings

My facebook friend and sister in Christ, Sherry Stephens from Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada, recently posted something from the Stay Positive facebook page that captured my attention,.

It’s only 24 words. But the thoughts are powerful. Life changing. And better yet, Biblical based. Read them carefully. Slowly. And thoughtfully. Let them sink in.

 

That’s pretty good, eh?

Now, consider these few thoughts.

#1 The  Bible condemns laziness.

Laziness will kill ambition and lead to ruin not only physically and materially, but also spiritually. Proverbs 10:5 says, “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”

In fact, the wise man challenges the lazy to learn from the lowly ant. “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (Prov. 6:6). Industry, diligence, and vigor will overcome a lazy feeling.

#2 Anger is a debilitating emotion.

The Bible says, “He that is soon angry deals foolishly” (Prov. 14:17). Conversely, “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding” (Prov. 14:29).

Nothing good comes from uncontrolled, unbridled anger. Anger clouds better judgment. Blinds us to reason. Increases anxiety. Triggers stress. And short circuits Divine power in our lives.

Indeed “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Prov. 29:11).

#3 Fear makes us feeble.

Fear is opposed to faith. Hampers initiative. Hinders growth. And paralyzes action.

Dreams of personal improvement, church growth, and spiritual success are all dashed when we’re afraid to try. How many ideas in business meetings have been killed by fearful, timid, and weak men?

God calls us to greener pastures and more fruitful fields. To bigger dreams. And greater ministry. To us, like Moses and Joshua of old, He says, “fear not.”

#4 Jealousy kills.

Jealousy not only kills peace. It kills everything it touches. Love. Marriages. Relationships. Families. Churches. Businesses. And our very soul.

Jealousy produces conflict. Spawns childish rivalry. Breeds strife. And leaves us with internal discord and disharmony.

James, the brother of Jesus, was right. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (Jas. 3:16). Jealously kills.

#5 Doubt–the enemy of faith.

For the Christian, our confidence is in Christ (Heb. 3:6,14). Doubt creates uncertainty. Doubt leads to indecision. Doubt breeds apprehension. Doubt results in skepticism. Doubt takes our eyes off Jesus. Doubt destroys our confidence.

As Jesus says to us as He did the disciples, “Have faith and do not doubt (Matt. 21:21).

Don’t doubt your faith. Doubt your doubts.

These five points about controlling our feelings, reminds me of a great quote by O. H. Mowrer, “It’s easier to act yourself into a better way of feeling instead of feeling yourself into a better way of acting.”

Now, read those 24 words again in both directions.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman