Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Often, we humans mistake circumstances and events as rejection or negative behavior because of our emotions and attitudes. Emotions and attitude cause people a lot of grief and heartache that could be avoided with just a little forethought. Proverbs 29:11 warns, “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
Not long ago, a student came to me and said she was going to quit her new job because the manager was mean to her. This student has gone through a lengthy, drawn-out hiring process and has just completed a long, difficult training school to achieve her new position. Once we discussed her situation, we learned that management was allowing her to learn and possibly advance in responsibilities when promotions became available. If she could accept the additional pressure and still perform, she would be in a better position later. In a different situation, a group of people was told that they were no longer wanted as a part of a larger group. Each person in this group felt betrayed and rejected, and after learning the circumstances, their emotions and attitudes were, without doubt, correct. This created a situation in which the group could either continue to be scorned and belittled or find a way to grow from it. After hours of work and conversation, the group decided that rather than accept their plight, they would create a new organization that would not depend on any other group for its existence. This group finally remembered Philippians 4:13, which states, I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
These are two examples of how, with effort, an unpleasant situation can be managed and improved. But what happens if the problem continues to deteriorate? Sometimes things do not work out the way we would like. Circumstances we cannot control (snowstorm), an uncooperative customer, an ill-informed co-worker, and health and financial problems are just a few examples of things beyond our control. At this point, we must ask whether the battle is worth the effort and whether it will matter a year from now. Sometimes, if we look at a problem closely, it really isn’t a problem. If not, then why bother? Do not start with the guessing games of “what if” and “woulda, coulda, shoulda”. These questions will not change anything. And then we need to accept reality and be flexible enough to move forward. Psalm 34:17 suggests, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” And Psalm 34:19 reassures, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
Uncontrolled emotions can cause ulcers, heart problems, and many other ailments. Unchecked emotions and bad attitudes can land a person in jail. If you do not control your emotions and develop a better attitude, you will remain in your rut forever. Proverbs tells us a joyful heart is good medicine. Your mental and emotional health is as important as your physical health. Galatians 5:16 states, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit. The desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” In other words, know your emotions and follow the positive, not the negative. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
So, what does this mean to people like us? In Philippians 2:5, the Apostle Paul tells us to have the same mindset as Jesus in our relationships with each other. Our attitude should show humility and selflessness. Our emotions will be easier to control if we remember that we are never truly alone, no matter the circumstance. We are guilty of thinking we are a lot smarter and stronger than we really are. No matter how big and bad we think we are, God can strike us down with no warning. But we should know that God is here with us to make things better if we are humble and smart enough to ask. In John 16:33, Jesus said, I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Then in James 1:2-4, Jesus states, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”