Feelings and Emotions

Living a godly life does not mean we will be void of feelings and emotions.  How we deal with those feelings and emotions, though, can have a great impact on how well we follow Him.

Particularly as women, we have to first realize our vulnerabilities when we are “under the influence” of our emotions, and figure out the root of the cause. This can be difficult because it’s not always easy to distinguish if our emotions are driven by hormones or circumstances.  We sometimes blame our circumstances when it’s only our hormones gone crazy.

I’m amazed at how quickly my emotions can spiral downwards, especially when I’m hormonally challenged, just from a few words someone might speak to me that were not intended to offend me.  I’ve often had to take the time to look at what really caused my emotions to nosedive.  Usually, it is an insecurity within me, which has been exacerbated by my hormones, and I need to take it to the Lord.

I think the bottom line here is to acknowledge that you are human (and female no less) and will struggle with your emotions.  Find the best way to ease through these times of your life – maybe find a spiritual sister to talk to and share your feelings.  Maybe the right vitamins will help you when your hormones are imbalanced.  Or maybe, you need more quiet time to yourself, to reflect on all the blessings in your life and to spend time with God.

I know there are people out there who believe this “hormone excuse” is not real, it’s all in your head.  I beg to differ on that.  You see, I am normally a laid back, easy going person – basically happy.  It takes a lot for me to react to someone or say something, so my rare moments of speaking harshly to my husband - for no reason - are out of character for me.  At those moments it feels like someone else has taken over my body.

My hormones seem to affect me most in my mood.  I can be flying high one day, and then with no justification or no change in circumstances, I can wake up the next morning with a cloud around me.  It’s a struggle sometimes to rise out of that ‘funk’.  I attribute those unexplained downs to my hormones.  I’m not always able to break free of those emotions, no matter how hard I pray or change my thinking.

We are NOT told to rely on our feelings or follow our emotions in the Bible.  We are told to stand firm and follow God.

Proverbs 3: 5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

We are to trust in the Lord!  Don’t go by what you think you know or how you feel.  Acknowledge Him in ALL your ways (that means what you feel, too – take that to God and pray for His will to be done.)  He will show you the right direction.  He will keep you from making stupid mistakes when you may not FEEL like doing the right thing.