Unwanted Guests vs. Chicken Soup

Aloha! E-smile and hug!

Welcome to today’s episode of the Growing Together show! It’s so good to have you here; you’re an exceptional audience and I’m delighted to have you in the studio with me. Before you wonder what’s going on, I’m rehearsing for my studio dreams. We’ll get there by His grace. Wink!

On today’s show, we discuss emotional health. In these COVID-19 times with all the things happening; it’s easy for negative emotions to have a summer wild party in your heart without you realizing they moved in. So, we’ll be discussing heart care because everything we do flows from it. (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)

Our heart is often viewed as the warehouse for our emotions (both positive and negative). Feelings of love, hate, sorrow, joy, fear, etc. stem from here and then grow to sometimes becoming the greatest influencer of our decision making, mindsets and perspectives to life. With our heart playing such a significant role, it is important to stop and check how we feel. Yes, I mean right now – in this moment, as you read; how do you feel? When you think about the various things happening in your home, work and life, your community, the world at large – how do you feel?

It is important as growth-focused individuals to be in charge and control our emotions before they go out of control and turn us into people we don’t even recognize. If some negative emotions already moved in to yours; perhaps they’re sat in the recliner sipping a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows; and another is discussing changing the blinds to suit their taste – it’s time to boot them right out and allow the Word take firm root in your heart! Such rude guests – there’s no room for you here!

Now that they’re gone, let me fix you right up with a warm bowl of chicken soup of God’s word for these gloomy times.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

I got you! I know sometimes, it can feel like the entire world is out to get you. As though someone somewhere shot a start gun for a race of unfortunate events. If you haven’t experienced this, well – pray for us who have. For those of us who know this feeling, I encourage you to trust God, it can be a lot to deal with but know that this will pass; His promises are true and reliable. Take it all and pour it upon Him!

Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (TPT)

In his tender care, He’ll fix you right up!

Afraid?

It’s okay to realize that you are but you can’t stay there. You may say you’re not afraid and use other words like “concerned”, “a little worried”, “a tad anxious”, that’s fine – you’re in safe company. No matter what form it presents itself in, God has an antidote for it. He says:

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

Isaiah 41:10 (AMPC)

There you have it! No one could have said it better. He is with you, focus on Him, He will strengthen you, help you, hold you, retain you! Oh, my goodness – what great love! He’s got you; rest in that!

Dealing with Guilt or Shame?

I like to call these two ‘the evil twins’ because they often come one with the other or even in a slam dunk at the same time. Anyway, that’s their problem because at the foundation of these emotions is the fact that you may have fallen short of a standard, are indebted or unworthy, did something to cause something, etc.

Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. Isaiah 43:1 (AMPC)

Look, the verse clearly states that we are no longer indebted because our loving Father already paid the price and put His eternal claim over us. News Flash: “You are His! And all your pending debts have been fully paid”; so live free, bold and unafraid! Jesus is your everlasting “Get out of jail free card”.  Let me throw on another scoop of yummy ice-cream on that; “Nothing can separate you from His love”. Check it out in Romans 8:35-39

In Doubt?

I once had this emotion as a close friend, consistently asking, “what if” and being unsure of every move, uncertain of what tomorrow would bring but Jesus freed me! Look what He said:

I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. Jeremiah 29:11 (GNT)

We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. Romans 8:28 (AMPC)

He has plans for you; great plans by the way and He is holding your hand as a strategic life partner to ensure that His great plans of complete prosperity are executed! I feel like doing a dance as I type this! You see, I had to do a double scripture take on this one! This emotion and I have history!

Let me not overload you with too much chicken soup! Let’s end it here today. Don’t forget to do a heart x-ray, identify the negative emotions, and evict all unwanted guests, then fill up on God’s word and give it room to flourish in your heart.

I’ll love to read from you. Remember to like, comment, subscribe and share your light bulb moments with me and others in your circle of influence.

As always,