Idaho Inspirations : Five Ways to Help Us Control Those Evil Emotions

    Control can be easy or difficult depending on the situation. We all can control a vehicle and drive within the lines. For us equestrian folk, we can control a horse through bodily actions of command. But when we're behind the wheel of that vehicle that hits ice or on the silly horse that's spooking at everything, it can be hard to get that control back!

    The same applies to our emotions. They come and go, up and down and all around, strong and weak, quick and slow that all is depending on the situation at hand. Happy, sad, worried, excited, and the worst...anger. That seems to be the easiest emotion to find, doesn't it? Maybe that's why there is the well-known phrase, "Flying off the handle." Anger most commonly stems from us thinking we aren't being treated as we see fit. (Goodness...three references to self in one sentence...I'll just save those thoughts for another post ;] )

    Anger isn't the only evil emotion though. Judgment, hate, condemnation, envy, discontentment, and pride are also ones to be aware of!

    I by no means have it all under control! But...

Here are 5 Ways to Help Us Control Those Evil Emotions

1. Love Yourself!
As vain as it may sound, you are fearfully and wonderfully made simply because God created you. You won't be satisfied with others until you are satisfied with yourself. Always continue striving to better yourself by being occupied through learning, growing, or becoming strong mentally, physically, and emotionally. You nurture and give some extra TLC to a wilting plant so are you not much more better? Do what you need to do to enjoy YOU!

2. Analyze First.
Is this really something to upset about? Is the offense big? Is it important? Complicated? Petty? For selfish reasoning?
Jesus even overthrew the money tables in the temple and He had legitimate reasoning! Learn to detect when righteous indignation is real and when it is okay to express it.

3. Forgive Quickly.
Until you forgive in your heart for any action done against you, you will not have peace. Realize we are all but dust. Just silly humans trying to get by in this world. Good thing we have a King to guide us along, right?
"For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not." (Ecc. 7:20) Don't be harsh. Don't judge. Cultivate a spirit of forgiveness.

4. Remember God.
Think of all the times the Lord has had to shake His head at our stumbling and wait for us to come to Him. He's always there. Patiently waiting. Sometimes looking at things through God's perspective is a refreshing spin on things. (And makes you grateful, in which God gets even more praise!)

5. Choose Happy.
Yes,
           it
           is
                                   a

CHOICE.