“Truth has a powerful way of interrupting our runaway feelings if only we’ll get it in front of us. So I let those verses march in front of me, boss me, redirect me.” ~Lysa Terkeurst in The Best Yes
How I can relate to having runaway feelings! My mind will seize on a topic or situation and before I know it, I’ve imagined every worst-case scenario or gotten myself worked up into a frenzy or am ready to spout off to anyone and everyone about some injustice I’ve encountered. (Insert note of thanks to longsuffering husband who usually bears the brunt of these runaway feelings! 🙂
It’s easy to let our emotions take over. But that’s where truth comes in. The truth of God’s Word can seep into the cracks of our emotions and put out that angry fire or put that fear to rest or calm that worry or give peace for that tension.
Rather than let my feelings of hopelessness or discouragement or other negative emotions take over my day, I want to let God’s Word rule my life. Reading my Bible consistently is so helpful, but going a step further and actually memorizing Scripture allows me to meditate on it and have access to God’s truth whenever my emotions threaten to derail me.
Below I thought I’d share verses that help redirect my thinking when I begin to struggle in a particular area. I hope these will be an encouragement to you – and I’d love to hear any verses that speak truth into your life when your “feelings” start to runaway with you!
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When I’m scared…”For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” ~2 Timothy 1:7
When I’m worried….”Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6,7
When I’m discouraged….“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” ~Psalm 43:5
When I’m angry….”For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” ~James 1:20
When I’m discontent….”Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” ~Philippians 4:11
When I need wisdom….”If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” ~James 1:5
When I feel unloved….”But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us.” ~Ephesians 2:4
When I’m disappointed….”For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” ~Isaiah 55:8,9
When I need direction….”Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5,6
When I’m impatient….”Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” ~Psalm 37:7
When I’m overwhelmed….“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28
I pray that I will allow God’s truth to implant itself in my heart so that I can live out His calling and bring glory to Him.
Are there other negative emotions you struggle with? Let’s find a verse of truth to help redirect our thinking!
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I use a couple of these same verses for the same things! But I use Matthew 6:34 for worry: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
And I tend to let my emotions take over, too. 🙂
Oh, Tracey, my sweet kindred spirit! Your opening paragraph is my story, too! (I also am blessed to be married to a long-suffering husband.) I LOVE this list of go-to Scriptures so useful for fighting feelings with God's facts. Pinned for future reference! In the meantime, I'm working on the "life verse" I started memorizing just yesterday: "Love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life" (Deut. 30:20).
What a wonderful verse you've chosen!! Aren't we blessed when God reveals to us just what we need in each season from His Word?! I've also had times when I've come across a hymn or another song that ministers to me in a particular trial or testing, and I find such comfort in it. We are loved!
Have a great day!
YES!!!! This is a perfectly-timed reminder for me right now. My brain went a little nuts last week, running away on ridiculous tangents re: why I was being changed on the gym schedule.
Stop. Refocus on God's words for me.