Be Determined

Every day you have a choice. You can decide to view life negatively or you can embrace life with all its variants. We shouldn´t expect every day to be a "smooth sailing" one. Some days are tougher than others, but we always have a choice on how we will face it. We also need to give ourselves "an attitude adjustment" every now and then. Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Some Negatives Are Positive

Emotions are meant to help us, even when they are negative in nature. For example, depression is a sad feeling that doesn’t go away. Though it is usually associated with some kind of loss or tragedy in life, it could also be a symptom of a physical illness such as diabetes, or perhaps it’s a result of burnout. There could also be hidden sin (by ourselves or another) that our emotions are trying to get us to face, maybe something that happened a long time ago but was never resolved. Bitterness, for instance, is an emotion that can cause physical illness but would be almost impossible for a regular physician to detect.

Psalm 139:23,"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts."

Verses for Strength

VERSES FOR STRENGTH

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philip. 4:13

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Isaiah 40:29,31

The Real Tragedy

We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark. The real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the Light. -- Unknown

John 3:19; 8:12, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

Why Are You Crying?

Finding the cause of negative emotions isn’t always easy, but it is well worth it! Why are you having crying spells so often? Are you just having a "blue" day -- or are you suffering from true (clinical) depression? Is your lethargy and sluggishness caused by laziness, coming from allergies, or are you experiencing a thyroid problem? Having a thorough physical checkup is a good place to start your quest. In addition, you need God’s wisdom to make decisions concerning your problem once you have found the true reason.

James 1:5," If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Self Pity

No one can afford the high cost of self pity and being miserable. We need to exercise our minds as regularly as we do our bodies. As the saying goes, "Garbage In, garbage out!"

Paul says, "And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men." Acts 24:16

How can we accomplish this seemingly impossible feat? By exercising the mind to think right thoughts:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
"whatsoever things are honest,
"whatsoever things are just,
"whatsoever things are pure,
"whatsoever things are lovely,
"whatsoever things are of good report;
"if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
"think on these things." Philippians 4:8

So breathe deeply -- and remember:

In with the right thoughts,
Out with the bad!
In with the right thoughts,
Out with the bad!

Admitting Our Weaknesses

Until we learn our emotional weaknesses, we won´t be able to strengthen those areas and will remain vulnerable to letting our emotions control us. Most of us mistakenly think we know ourselves -- until we unexpectedly encounter an emotion we didn´t think we were capable of displaying so avidly. We are shocked to find just how much hate or livid anger is lurking deep within us. Jeremiah 17:9, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"

Is the Need Spiritual?

The physical, emotional, mental and spiritual are so closely linked that when one area is needy, all are affected. If you think you might have an unresolved spiritual need, you can go directly to God and his word for help. You don’t have to go through a preacher, minister or priest, though that might be good to do if you know one who is biblically sound. If you want to read some scriptures on a specific topic, but don’t know where in the Bible to find them, you will find several references listed under topics in your Bible’s concordance, if it is a good reference Bible. If you don’t find what you are looking for there, write me and I will do my best to help. A great little, inexpensive paperback book is "God’s Promises For Your Every Need." Another is "The Bible Promise Book." Both cost less than $5.00 and have more than 1,000 verses on many topics.

Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

You Choose the View

We each choose our own perspective. Your glass is as full as you want it to be. "Some people wonder why God made thorns on roses; others wonder why He made roses among thorns." -- Unknown

Deut. 30:19, "…I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."

Personalize Your Plan

There is a plan suited to your personal needs -- you just have to figure it out.. For example, you may have learned your mood swings are caused by diabetes. Your plan will be pretty much the diet the doctor orders, and possibly medication. If your medication isn’t working as well as you think it should, ask your doctor to prescribe another until you have the right one for your situation. Take whatever action is necessary for the healing of your emotions and body, and don’t depend solely on your doctor. Only you know what is working for you, and your doctor needs your feedback.

Psalm 119:99, "I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation."

What is Wisdom

Wisdom consists in knowing what to do with what you know. -- Unknown

Proverbs 21:20, "There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up."

Social Activities

If too many social activities are causing you stress, drop those you don’t enjoy and/or are able to omit, and limit the length of time you spend at the ones you attend. Maybe at some point you can leave early, or skip a few preliminaries. Always be polite, but remember, you DO have a choice!

Up or Down?

To reduce tiredness, try to vary your work by alternating between sitting and standing tasks. For example, stand to mix a meatloaf and put it in the oven, then sit and write a letter. Stand again to finish cooking your meal.

*The Christian Myth*

Christians never have emotional problems, right? Wrong! Throughout the Bible are examples of emotional extremes by people who followed God, from Elijah, who became severely depressed after his great victory at Mt. Caramel, to the disciple Peter, who lost his temper and cut off a soldier´s ear. But the story doesn´t end with their failures. These and many other Bible characters became emotionally stronger after they learned their weaknesses, and so can you! Psalm 119:67, "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word."

Take Action

After you have found the reason for your negative emotions, you need to get busy working toward emotional wellness. If your problem is physical, your doctor will help you work toward your goal in the physical realm. If from a mental condition, you need to consult a mental health professional. (This is nothing to be ashamed of. After years of suffering from depression, I decided to get help. With the help of God, physicians, medication and my own understanding of my emotions and genetic background, I have come up from a state of hopelessness to emotional and mental wellness again. Maintenance, of course, will always be part of my life, but I no longer live in the dark pit I once did.) Go for it!

2 Tim. 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

Limit Chore Time

You won’t tire as easily if you can limit the time spent on any one job. Alternate your time between two or more things. For example, work on crafts for an hour, then spend an hour baking before going back to crafts or another project.

Don´t Compare Yourself With Others

When we compare ourselves with others, we either feel inferior or superior. Neither is a true assessment. There will be times you can give more of your time and means; other times you must do less. Don`t compare what you could do yesterday with what you can do today. Neither compare what you can do today with what others do today. God doesn`t expect you to do what another does, nor does He want you to look down on those who accomplish less. He only wants you to do the things He has asked you to do, at the time He has given them, and to do them with the abilities He has given you personally.

"… but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise." 2 Cor. 10:12

Telephone Headset for Relief

A telephone headset is almost a necessity for busy people or those with arthritis/fibromyalgia in the neck, shoulder, or arm areas. If your phone doesn’t adapt to a headset, you can buy a cheap cordless one that does for as little as $20 to $30. It is worth every penny for the pain relief and/or time saved as you can do other things while you talk, and without staying in one position that causes you pain or discomfort.

Make That Decision

For some, making the decision to get well may be the hardest step, but it’s a necessary one. "Of course I want to get well!" you may protest. Yet sometimes it is easier to stay in the state you are in because you feel it will be too difficult to change. Of course it is -- by yourself! That’s why a decision to get help is so important. You can’t do it alone, or you would have already done so, right? You must answer the same question Jesus asked the man who had been lame 38 years: "Wilt thou be made whole?" (John 5:6) Decide right now you are going to get better. You are going to find out what kind of help you need and you are going to get it!

Mark 9:24, "And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief."

You Do Make a Difference

I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And that which I can do, by the grace of God, I will do. -- D.L.Moody

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

Who´s In Control?

We don’t have to let our emotions take control of our lives, no matter what our background or genetic makeup. (There are exceptions, of course, such as people with certain severe mental illnesses. However, the purpose here is to provide help with the usual emotional struggles in life. It is not meant to take the place of mental health professionals.) When we get overwhelmed and can’t get our bearings alone, help is available through a variety of sources, including the medical professions, our families, good friends, and God and his Word.

Romans 6:16, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Share the Stress!

Limit the stress you allow from others by politely saying "no," or at least cut down on the amount of the work you accept. For example, when you have a family get-together at your house, "share the joy" by asking each member to bring one item -- the dessert, entree, salad, or bread and drinks. They will love this system, too -- especially the next time it’s their turn to be host or hostess!

Listen With Your Heart

People who are happy-go-lucky all the time have it made -- or so the rest of us think. If the truth were known, many who have an outward show of happiness are masking tears inside that need to get out. Some people, rather than let their true emotions show, will make a joke of everything. Others will snap in anger. We should try to hear another’s heart speaking as well as his words. When Job tried to tell his friends what anguish he was going through, they mistakenly kept insisting his problems were the result of sin in his life. We need to be careful how we judge others during their times of emotional burdens.

Job 7:11, "Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul."

When Do I Get Wisdom?

When do we get wisdom? After we admit to ourselves we don’t have it. "To admit that I have been wrong is but saying that I am wiser today than I was yesterday." -- Unknown

Proverbs 12:15, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."