Wednesday
Jan142009
Put Your Emotions Under Your Feet!
Posted on 
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 4:55AM
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at 4:55AM 
Greetings, Dear Friends!
And to those visiting, I say welcome! I post every Wednesday and my sole purpose is to nourish your soul along the way.
Each month I give away a $10.00 gift card to someone who posts on my blog. For the month of January, I will give away a $10.00 gift card from Barnes & Noble. So leave a comment, share a story, and inspire many others who visit this blog each day!
Now on to my topic....
I didn't sleep at all last night. I made the mistake of going to bed with my task list still on my mind. I know better than to take a last look at email before I go to bed, but I did it anyway. Silly me.
Throughout the night I tossed and turned and got tangled up in my blankets. Throughout the night my mind battled against the 'what ifs' all around me. "What if" questions are useless during the day; and they're absolutely tormenting at night, wouldn't you say?
But I know I'm not the only one who has to work to stay in a place of consistent peace and a God-centered mindset. It's especially difficult to keep perspective when you're tired; or when you're sick, or broke, or broken, or wounded, or threatened, or just plain afraid. As I posted last week, these are uncertain times, requiring that we be more certain than ever of who we are and what we possess.
Graham Cooke made a powerful observation regarding our perspective. I wrote about it in my newest book, "The Uncommon Woman."
He suggests that we remember the difference between our state and our standing. I'll paraphrase his thoughts: Our state speaks of how we feel about our current circumstances (which changes with the ebb and flow of life). Our standing speaks of our position in Christ (which never changes).
We can acknowledge our current 'state', and not be in denial about it. We acknowledge how things are by admitting, "Yes, this is a difficult season and it's hard not knowing what's up ahead." But we can do so, without it shaking us; we can do so that is, if we get our perspective from our 'standing.' We acknowledge our state, but we view life from our standing.
According to my wonderful MAC Dictionary, "Emotions" are described as follows:
A natural, instinctive state of mind derived from one's circumstances, mood, or relationship with others.
So you can see, emotions rise up out of us as an instinctive reaction to how we feel about our 'state' and from what we tell ourselves about our circumstances.
In Matthew 14 we read about the time when the disciples were in the boat and they saw Jesus walking on the water towards them. At first they thought He was a ghost. But when they heard His voice, Peter had the courage to ask to be invited to participate in a miracle. And he was.
Peter stepped out onto the water and actually walked on water. Imagine!
As with any step of faith we take, Peter began to feel resistance. In this case, resistance came in the form of the wind. He saw the wind's effect on the mighty waters and he felt the wind on his face. His instinctive reaction (as mine would have been) was to give more weight to the wind than to the glory of the One who stood before him.
Read this wonderful excerpt from my Believer's Commentary:
(Relating our experiences to Peter's): We are often storm-tossed, perplexed, in despair. The Savior seems far away. But all the time He is praying for us. When the night seems darkest, He is near at hand. We often mistake Him even then and push the panic button. Then we hear His comforting voice and remember that the waves that caused us to fear are under His feet." (p. 1262).
I love that...the waves that caused us to fear are under His feet!
And since we stand with Christ, those same waves are under our feet! Peter's example is for us!
So let this be a lesson for us today. Regardless of how we feel, God's promises to us are real; they are powerful, and He is true.
Martin Luther wrote this: Feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving; our warrant is the Word of God, naught else is worth believing.
Be strong and be courageous! Do not fear or be dismayed! For the Lord IS with you, wherever you go! You have things to do in this life. Don't react to your fears, respond to God's promise of provision over your life. He will come through for you and me. We were made to be conduits of Christ's Kingdom work; of His mighty miracles; of His powerful passion for a world in need.
Have a bold and blessed week!
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Reader Comments (12)
When we don't believe God is determined to love us perfectly, we end up living like our best choice is to take care ofourselves. And then, we become so busy taking care of ourselves that we have little time for authentic, transparent, loving community with others.
God bless you! ~Rebecca
Phi 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
My son recently told me he was afraid of the world (he's 6). I asked him why - and he just looked at me with that innocent face - and said 'well, is it safe?'
Yikes! I had to think and pray about that one! No, the world isn't safe, but we're not to be afraid of it. God really used it as a lesson for me. I was forced to understand and apply where I am with my status in the "waves". And as I prayed, God lead me to John 16:33.
I was able to look my sweet son in the eye and say "yeah, even Jesus says that in this world we will have trouble. It can be a scary place. But He overcame! And He says that we get two things - Peace and courage!" And now, together, we pray for peace and courage.
I'm so grateful that you once again pointed to the Savior. I love that illustration with Peter and will have to use it should fear crop up again with my kids. Thanks!
I'm so sorry about the loss of your Auntie Ki. It's so difficult to lose someone you love so much. May the loving arms of God wrap you up and keep you in a place of peace. God bless you, sister!
I love the verse you quoted. It's interesting to note that a renewed mind is a discerning mind. When we're transformed by the renewing of our mind, we are more able to discern God's highest and best will for us. A definite motivator, wouldn't you say?
Way to break it down! Great advice! I know other visitors will be blessed by your words. Excellent!
You sound like a wonderful momma!
When you think of it, God knew what the times would be like when He blessed you with children, which means He believes you can do a fabulous job parenting in a day when things can be pretty scary. May His peace rule in our hearts! Bless you!
I'm SO glad you posted your comment. Well said! And I couldn't agree with you more. There is character to be forged amidst sleepless nights. I especially loved this line: We must practice surrendering.Amen and amen.