Emotions and Truth

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The heart is deceitful above all things,
    and desperately sick;
    who can understand it?  Jeremiah 17:9 ESV

There are a lot of emotions in my house. I have three kids, a wonderful husband, and two dogs – one who has an anxiety issue. Not to mention my own emotions. Sometimes those emotions are in harmony and we laugh and enjoy talking to each other. Other times those emotions are a cacophony irritating the ears of all who experience it’s splendor.

God created emotions and we mishandle them. As an adult I have more tools so I have learned to handle and interpret my emotions. In my mind effort means I am doing my best. But in a child’s mind he may think if he has to try hard at something that he isn’t smart and he feels like a failure.

So we must teach our children to use their emotions as signs and tools, not as something to base the truth on. 

How does that work?

When my child feels frustrated that things are not going their way I say

“I get frustrated when things don’t go my way too. But the truth is the world does not revolve around me and my desires.” (1 Peter 5:11)

When my child says, “I feel unloved.”

“I remember feeling like ‘Nobody loves me everybody hates me I’m going to eat some worms.’ But what is the truth? God loves me and has a good purpose for my life. (John 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11)

When my child says I am worthless.

“I often feel that way, but God’s Word says we are made by a God who doesn’t make junk or mistakes.” (Psalm 139:14)

 

What truth do you need to speak to yourself or your kids in order overcome the lies of your emotions?

 

Stephanie Shott
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