Recovering procrastinators, a happy valentine from me to you!
A reminder of our feelings… Is it too “squishy” to give attention to our emotions? Can’t we just power through on focus and strength of will? Are we weak if we insist on showing regard for our feelings?
No. No. And no. We are created rational and emotional. How we feel can sabotage our journey toward the good we’re aiming for simply because feelings prefer short term gratification. We can harness our feelings and get them working for us if we factor them in from the start and if we remind them along the way how much MORE they really want the long term destination.
Sometimes we forget scripture is full of references to feeling. I recently read Psalm 119:33-40 (NKJV) and was struck by the words of emotion and by the concept of staying on the path toward my God-directed destination. Underlined words below are emotional; italicized words refer to staying on the path:
“Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statues, and I shall keep it to the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it.
Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness.
Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way.
Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to fearing you.
Turn away my reproach which I dread, for Your judgements are good.
Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me in Your righteousness.”
(“Understanding,” “devoted,” and “fearing” are rational, but they have an emotional aspect too.)
Continuing in Psalm 119, I also read: “I thought about my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies. I made haste, and did not delay to keep Your commandments.” V. 59-60.
“I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end.” V. 112.
“Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” V. 133
Ladies, we are in good company! The psalmist had the same struggles we do. God cares about our battle to do what needs doing when it needs doing. He will help us harness our emotions so that our feet remain on the path toward our God-directed destinations.
What scripture encourages you to stay on the road?
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