Emotions Getting The Best Of You?

We often allow our emotions to "get the best of us." But what does that mean? Get the best of us? Perhaps it's to take our otherwise warm, charming, and rational self (a.k.a. "the best") and slop all that into a blender turned on high-puree.

It doesn't even have to be dramatic. Our emotions can get the best of us in mundane ways.

For instance, you see a certain person at work, in the neighborhood, at church, or where ever. You have this sudden, automatic, uncontrollable reaction to hide, look the other way, or talk to someone else. You try anything to avoid speaking to that person. Your emotions not only have gotten the best of you but you've also handed over control to that person! They're controlling how you respond. Avoiding or coming in contact with them may even determine the rest of your day's pace. Sounds silly, right?

We all have done this.


There's another way our emotions can get the best of us. My wife came across a web story about Jon and some accompanying video from their show. I absorbed all of five seconds and walked away not being able to tolerate the sound of Jon's voice.

There it was: resentment and judgment.

I had allowed my disapproval of Jon's decisions and his seemingly flippant mindset to taint my view of him. That evening, while on my nightly dog walk with the beagle, I asked God's forgiveness of my sin and prayed for Jon, Kate, and the Gosselin family. You see, having this little blog called "Jon and Kate Prayers" doesn't protect me from my own emotions or make me some prayer warrior. So easily we can take our focus off God and the voices of the world begin to bring us down.

Matthew 5:24 says "First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

In this chapter, Scriptures address how being angry with someone or holding contempt for them is the same as murder. Did you realize that? Our words and our thoughts can either empower, uplift, and encourage...or destroy and kill. You can go to church, pray, and lead a Christian lifestyle while being angry or resentful towards someone, but Scripture says we should make an effort to reconcile with that person first before trying to worship (come and offer your gift).

Who are you angry with today? Does the thought of someone drain you emotionally and make you sigh? Stop allowing them to control your day and control your life right now! Find a means to either reconcile with them or find a way to empower, uplift, and encourage them. If you've allowed your disappointment or disapproval of someone's actions to taint your view of them, at least turn from that and pray for them and yourself. But, again, if possible show them compassion and love.