God's Roadmap

Now may the Lord Jesus Christ and our Father God, who loved us and in his wonderful grace gave us eternal comfort and a beautiful hope that cannot fail, encourage your hearts and inspire you with strength to always do and speak what is good and beautiful in his eyes (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 TPT).


Friday, November 1, 2024

8 Scriptures to Help Us Overcome Damaging Emotions


 by Barbara Latta @barbaralatta

We are commanded to do this in Scripture. But how do we resist our enemy?

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7 NKJV).

It is not a suggestion. God gives us this instruction to protect us from the schemes of satan. If he gets a foothold in our mind, whatever we allow in is harder to uproot once we have entertained the temptation.

Joseph is an example of fleeing from evil. When Pharoah’s wife attempted to seduce him, Joseph ran. He didn’t stand around and debate his thoughts. If he had, the temptation would have overcome him. He was a young, handsome man and a beautiful woman desired him. He was alone and away from home. Who would know?

God would.

Joseph did the right thing and he was honored by God later on. He was elevated to the second in command of the nation of Egypt because he obeyed God in that temptation and in other situations.

Temptation can attack in many forms, not just the usual vices we think of as sin.

What about resisting temptation’s attacks through emotions and thoughts? Our weapon is the Word of God and these 8 Scriptures can help us overcome damaging emotions.

1. Depression Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him. The help of my countenance and my God (Psalm 43:5 NKVJ).

2 AngerBe angry and do not sin (Ephesians 4:26a).

3. Regret Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead (Philippians 3:13)

4. Condemnation There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit (Romans 8:1).

5. ComplainingDo all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:14-15).

6. Self-pityTherefore preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13 ESV).

7. Envy or jealousyA sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones (Proverbs 14:30). For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice (James 3:16 (ESV).

8. Ingratitude In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18). (emphasis mine, Paul is not saying to be thankful for all things but in all things).

When we rely on Scripture to resist temptation (as Jesus did in the wilderness), we can resist the devil and his schemes. His plan is for our destruction, but Jesus came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

What else can you add to our list of negative emotions we should resist? Join the conversation.

 

8 Scriptures to help us overcome damaging emotions (click to share on X)

10 comments:

  1. Hi Barb! I love these Scriptures paired with emotions. My grandchildren are enchanted with the two Inside Out movies which help explain emotions to kids. They are very good, but your post reminds me of the importance to teach children what God says about handling emotions.

    I just re-subscribed to your post with a different address because I don't think I'm receiving all your updates.
    Be well!
    Candyce

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    1. I'm thankful for these verses that tell us how to control those emotions. I guess God put so many in the Bible because He knows how much help we need! Thanks for sharing and re-subscribing, Candyce. Blessings!

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  2. Marilyn Nutter11/7/24, 7:57 AM

    Thank you for this helpful topic and guides to focus.Worry would be another emotion that distracts us. Phil 4:8 and Proverbs 3:5-6.

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    1. Absolutely, worry is a biggie. Thanks for sharing that, Marilyn. Blessings!

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  3. Your message is just what we need during this time of political disagreement and social conflict. God's Word and trust in Him will get us through! Thank you for sharing these words of wisdom.

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    1. We do need to keep our eyes on Scripture to prevent us from falling into the chaos. Thanks for sharing, Katherine. Blessings!

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  4. Wonderful list and reminder. Thanks, Barbara.

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  5. Spot-on scriptures for the emotions you listed, Barbara! Here's another possibility: If negativity (what's wrong with the country, at work, at church, in the neighborhood, in the family, etc.) tries to pull us down into a pit of despair, Philippians 4:8 shows us the way out!

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    1. Philippians 4:8 is a great Scripture for any situation. Thanks for sharing that. Blessings!

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