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 Anger – Be 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. Complaining – Do 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-pity – Therefore 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 jealousy – A 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)
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.
ReplyDeleteI just re-subscribed to your post with a different address because I don't think I'm receiving all your updates.
Be well!
Candyce
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!
DeleteThank 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.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, worry is a biggie. Thanks for sharing that, Marilyn. Blessings!
DeleteYour 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.
ReplyDeleteWe do need to keep our eyes on Scripture to prevent us from falling into the chaos. Thanks for sharing, Katherine. Blessings!
DeleteWonderful list and reminder. Thanks, Barbara.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. Blessings!
DeleteSpot-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!
ReplyDeletePhilippians 4:8 is a great Scripture for any situation. Thanks for sharing that. Blessings!
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