Emotional Roller Coaster Victim

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it, and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once, an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” (1 Kings 19:3-5)
 
If you think you are the only person who has a tough time keeping your emotions in check, there is hope for you.
 
The Bible describes Prophet Elijah as a man with a nature just like ours (James 5:17). At one moment, he called for fire from Heaven and killed 450 prophets of Baal, the other moment, he was running away in fear and praying for death. His emotional life resembled a roller coaster.
 
The truth is that God loves us the way we are, but He loves us too much to leave us the way we are.

God sent an angel who urged Elijah to eat and drink in order to gain strength for the journey. After being revived, Elijah was able to embark on a 40-day trek in the wilderness, where God encouraged him through “a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).

Here are some practical ways through which we can experience victory in our emotions.

1. Don’t React Immediately
Reacting immediately to emotional triggers can be a guaranteed mistake you are sure to regret later.

2. Focus on Spiritual Things
Scripture tells us, “set your mind on things above, not on things of the earth. (Colossians 3:2)
If your mind is only focused on the things of the flesh, your needs, your wants, and your shortcomings, the enemy can tempt you and keep you trapped on the emotional roller coaster for a long time.

Lord Jesus said in John 8:31-32, When we abide in His Word, we know the truth, and the truth makes us free. When we stop studying God’s Word and applying it in our lives, we begin to pay more attention to the voice of the enemy—his accusations, condemnation, and feelings of being never good enough. This is when our emotional health goes for a toss.

Make it your top priority to spend time in God’s Word every day, reading it, thinking about it, claiming His promises as you allow Holy Spirit to teach you. As you do this, the joy of the Lord will begin to take hold of your mind and spirit (Nehemiah 8:10). This joy will strengthen you and will not make you a victim of the emotional roller coaster.
 
3. Attend Church Services Regularly 
I earnestly urge you to attend church services. One word from the message preached can lift you above the waves.

I encourage you to keep doing this regularly. You might not notice a difference right away, but keep at it, and you will.

In the Name of Jesus, I will respond in love as the Word says. I will not allow them to influence me. The Lord is my Helper