Feeling Low?
Emotions and feelings can be fleeting and rather misleading. Many of us understand this, but then why do they still affect us so much? Well, first, it’s part of us. The thoughts we think and the feelings we feel are deep and connected to us. Understanding these feelings helps us control them. So here’s a few steps on how to overcome or more so learn from, negative thoughts and emotions.
Create Separation. In order to understand your emotions and how you are feeling, you need to distance yourself from it. Many fall into the trap of thinking that their emotions and feelings are themselves. See, they are a PART of you, but it’s not who you are, your feelings are not your identity. Understanding this allows you to step back and analyze why you feel the way you do. The moment you personalize your negative emotions you start lose control over them. Perhaps your mind tries to protect them because you’ve labeled them as who you are, and your mind seeks to protect that. “I feel x…y…z…” as if that’s who you are. Separate the two, “I’m feeling this why probably because x…y…z…and it’s how my body/mind is reacting to it.” This takes the power away from the negative emotions that you may feel, and affirms you that it’s a feeling and not a characteristic.
Rely on the Holy Spirit. Many say, “I don’t know why I’m feeling this way” and that’s ok, because more often than not you won’t fully understand your emotions, but there’s an answer. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to transform your mind will do greater things than sitting all day and trying to figure out the why behind your emotion(s). The “why” in most cases is not as important as the “how” when it comes to resolving issues. Reading the Word of God is not a pill, but it is a way to shift your mind and heart onto what is holy. Prayer is not a pill, but it is a way to shift your mind and heart onto what is holy. If the struggle still exist, amp up your focus on Christ through fasting.
This too Shall Pass. When you are feeling down, understand it is a state, maybe a season, but it will too pass. Many get so focused on wanting to not feel a certain way, when God has taught me that feeling this way sometimes, isn’t a sin. It’s a time to learn. It may seem uncomfortable and you may want to try and fix it, but really what you should be doing is opening your eyes and ears to what Christ has for you in it. Affirm yourself hard times DO pass, remember hard times WILL come again, and just as you praise God and cling to Him in the good times, praise God and cling to Him in the hard times as well.
God bless you.
