Tips For Managing Emotions In Tough Times

two people walking in the forest — Tobi by Pexel

Introduction

The world is in a crisis! But the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which the body of Christ should not be in crisis!

Without questions, this has been one of the most unprecedented political seasons I have witnessed. Anxiety, anger, rhetoric and fear are still off the Richter scale. We are living in difficult and dangerous times, clear in the attitudes and actions of people recording in 2 Timothy 3:1-4.

Emotions are probably still draining many physically because medical research proves anger, anxiety, fear and unforgiveness affect our physical body. Perhaps irritability is like a stick of dynamite that will explode if someone looks at you. Since COVID disrupted the idea of normalcy, it never returned! Not to mention, the expansion of pain felt daily because of loss, grief and mourning the death of family and friends is unbearable.

But enough of the gloomy season, right? I have some practical tips to help you maintain some normalcy regarding your emotional stability.

Practical Tips to Manage Emotions

I am an advocate for truth, the Word of God — consider this as a starter:

Be strategic if you are in an emotional battle.
- Set up a centralized location as a “calming” space.
  - Display some special items that can bring a sense of calm and comfort—fragrances, diffusers with essential oils, etc.
  - Place memorable photos that bring peaceful reflections for when you’re in your feelings.
- This special space can help you change your focus and redirect your thoughts. Our thoughts govern our actions, good and bad; positive and negative. In this crisis, it is critical to control our thoughts in order to survive these difficult times.

Keys to control your thoughts:

Focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise.

(Ref. Philippians 4:8. It may be difficult at first, but the more you practice, you will master your thought life.

You are either the captive or the captain of your thought.

-Denis Waitley

Guess what? The news media will continue to report the bad news and the good new. But you must be intentional about how it impacts your emotionally. Being informed is critical; however, it is our personal responsibility to assess our emotional stability. We must learn to control our emotions and refocus our thoughts when we’re becoming overwhelmed with distressing news reports. Monitoring our news intake is within our control.

The Spiritual Perspective

God never intended for human beings to handle life’s challenges apart from Him. We are frail and limited in our human strength, even though our egos say otherwise. We don’t have the mental capacity or emotional stability without God’s supernatural power to manage the perplexities and complexities of life. Therefore, HE provided a way for us to experience the peace we need when life’s challenges arise in our lives. That peace comes through His Son, Jesus Christ!

Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.- John 14:27.

In addition, to experience the peace that eradicates fear and anxiety is to position yourself where your “gates” (eyes, ears, mouth) can be open to impart into your spirit. Be intentional and create an atmosphere where the calming Presence of the Holy Spirit is welcome and the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

To ensure your emotional well-being and receive into your spirit the calming presence of the Lord Jesus, below are some practical tips that bring spiritual results. Your physical openings–eyes, ears, mouth, nostrils are the entrances to your soul and spirit.

Protect your “eye gate”

Protect your “eye gate” by not constantly viewing negative, disturbing news. Avoid watching what will incite fear and increase anxiety. Instead, look at funny TV shows that make you laugh, wholesome family-friendly movies/old sitcoms or inspirational movies that communicate messages of faith, love and hope to remind you of God’s truth. Look into God’s Word, read it aloud, meditate on it, and allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see. Ask Him to speak to you personally!

Protect your “ear gate”

Your ears are entrances to your spirit and soul. Protect yourself from hearing by not listening to rumors, gossip, criticism, negative opinions, and unfounded conspiracy theories. Instead, listen to spiritual songs and music that inspire. You can have your private praise and worship setting in your home. It will calm your spirit and create an atmosphere that ushers in the Presence of God.

Guard your “mouth gate”

Speak life, not death (Proverbs 18:21). Words are powerful and what you say is evidence of what is in your heart (Luke 6:45, Matthew 12:34). Your tongue is a deadly fire (James 3:6). Therefore, be an encourager by speaking words that encourage and edify others and yourself (Ephesians 4:29). Jesus said out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. In other words,

Protect and guard your space.

Whether you are in a marketplace, your place of employment or wherever there are crowds, protect your space. You control the temperature in your home. You set the atmosphere in your home. Avoid an atmosphere that breeds fear, negativity, and hopelessness.

Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Prayer is a privilege given by God. This is the opportune time to take advantage of it. Remember, if there’s no communication within a relationship, the relationship will end. Therefore, stay connected with God. However, if you are disconnected, you can connect by reading and applying these life-changing instructions in Romans 10:8-11.

Conclusion

Photo by Dan Meyers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/trees-and-mountains-under-gray-sky-2364701/

One of my most peaceful experiences is to behold the beauty of God’s creation. It’s something about seeing the effects of the wind, hearing it, while in awe of its invisibility. The calming breeze reminds me of the supernatural power of the eternal, immortal, invisible God, the Creator of heaven and earth. He controls all of His creation. It’s reassurance that He is my fortress.

Finally, “Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6)