Working Through the Storm Inside
11/12/2023
Working Through the Storm Inside
Proverbs 25:28 (NASB1995) Like a city that is broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.
Helpful perspectives:
• God has emotions.
• My ability to feel is a gift from God.
• I need to be careful to avoid emotional extremes.
Four emotional extremes:
1. Stuffers conceal how they feel.
Jeremiah 15:17-18 (GNT) …I stayed by myself and was filled with anger. Why do I keep on suffering? Why are my wounds incurable? Why won't they heal?...
2. Exploders reveal how they feel.
Genesis 4:5, 8 (GNT) …Cain became furious, and he scowled in anger. … When they were out in the fields, Cain turned on his brother and killed him.
3. Prisoners are chained to their pain.
Proverbs 15:15 (NLT) For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
4. Manipulators blame for their pain.
Luke 15:28 (GW) “Then the older son became angry and wouldn’t go into the house. His father came out and begged him to come in.”
A better way to deal with how you feel:
1. Name it properly.
2. Assess it regularly.
Proverbs 13:16 (GNT) Sensible people always think before they act, but stupid people advertise their ignorance.
3. Appraise it truthfully.
“What offends the mind reveals the heart.”
4. Surrender it humbly.
Ask: Have I really given this to God?
Psalm 42:5-6 (NIV84) Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon…
5. Share it openly.
6. Work at it heartily.
Colossians 3:15 (NLT) And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.
Growing Deeper Together
- What emotional extreme do you find yourself battling most often? o Read Proverbs 25:28. What can you do a to help control your spirit this week?
- Managing our emotions can be a huge challenge. Disappointment can bring anger and resentment towards others. Take time this week to work through a few of six steps Shane shared when you are facing difficult emotions this week.
- Who can you share your emotional struggles with? Do you have a trusted friend? A mentor or small group leader you can share your struggles with? If not, what steps can you take to seek out a person like this in your life?