We all have those days when we do not feel like a good image of Christ. That’s my today. I do not feel gracious. I do not feel kind. I do not feel compassionate. I do not feel self-control. I do not feel calm. You get the point and I’m certain each of you can relate to these feelings.
I start talking to God as soon as I wake up. I thank Him for another day. I thank Him for watching over us and protecting us as we slept. I ask Him to continue to watch over us and protect us as we go about our day.
As I drive to work, I continue to talk to God. I ask him to help me be gracious and kind. Today, I begged Him to help guard my tongue so that I do not speak or think evil to my friends and family. However, when I get to my work, all these not-so-good feelings take over. This is the critical moment that I feel God whispering in my ear. “You are the only person who can control your day. You are the only one who can knock the chip off your shoulder and have a joyful day.” I take a calming drink of my diet coke (because I am even worse than I described above without it) and decide to knock the chip off. It’s so liberating to know that I have that power. If I turn that power over to others, I would no longer be able to knock the chip off my own shoulder. I would spend the rest of my days trying to find a way to get rid of this irritating thing that is weighing me down. However, with God guiding my life, I realize that I am the only one who can do this for myself. The Bible talks about faith and grace – two wonderful things that keep us going even when we may not feel like it.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1) (NIV). This verse does not say anything about how we feel. If we allow feelings and emotions to rule our lives, we will not experience the beauty of walking in faith, of knowing in our heart that God is walking each step with us. This is not to say that tomorrow I will not have this same battle. I can guarantee you that you and I will both be faced with this same battle many, many more times in our lifetime. However, if we continue to make a conscious decision to know that God is there and to walk with Him in faith, we can truly experience a blessed life. Take control of your emotions along with me. Tell yourself that “Today, just today, I am going to choose faith and grace over emotions.”
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