Don’t let Toxic Emotions Rule Your Life
When your life is governed by toxic emotions it is like being caught in a wind storm with debris flying every direction and trying to grab something that will anchor you down. There is a healthier way to live than to be tossed around by the force of your emotions. Here are 3 questions to ask yourself, and 3 tips for a life free of toxic emotions.
Ask yourself:
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What toxic emotion repeatedly blows in my life?
Toxic emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, bitterness, resentment, anxiety, jealousy, and frustration embed themselves deep within your soul.
They become the “enemy within,” acidifying your life, poisoning relationships, undermining health, causing all kinds of self-sabotage and destroying life’s golden opportunities. (Dawn Clark)
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What memory is linked with a toxic emotion?
Emotions are linked to memory building. Healthy emotions build healthy memories. Toxic emotions build toxic memories.
When a thought moves from the non-conscious to the conscious mind and we become aware of it, we feel these emotions. It is in this state of feeling the emotions that we have to reach out to God and ask Him to guide the choices we will make based on the perceptions these feelings generate. If we don’t let God control, we will draw on our weak human wisdom and make a bad decision. Emotions are wonderful - when driven by the Savior; but can be torturous when driven by carnal wisdom. (Dr. Caroline Leaf)
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Do I allow emotions to control my life?
Emotions are not your boss. Your emotions are meant to report to you, not to dictate you. God created them to be a gauge in your life not a guide. Toxic emotions are based in sin because they draw us away from trusting God and keep us in unforgiveness.
Tips for a life free of toxic emotions:
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Identify which emotions are surging in the wrong direction.
The enemy of your soul will try to attack in your weak areas. Be aware of emotions and let them tell you where this attack is being made so you can fight strategically with the Word of God and the counsel of others.
Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 TPT
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Refuse to surrender to toxic emotions.
When you become aware of your thoughts you feel the emotions linked to that thought. You always have a choice in what you are thinking. Not every thought and resulting emotion should be given a place in your mind and heart.
Sin is a dethroned monarch; so you must no longer give it an opportunity to rule over your life, controlling how you live and compelling you to obey its desires and cravings. So then, refuse to answer its call to surrender your body as a tool for wickedness, Instead, passionately answer God’s call to keep yielding your body (and mind) to him as one who has now experienced resurrection life! Romans 6:12-13 TPT
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Follow your Shepherd.
He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 NASB
Your soul is your mind, desires, and the home of your emotions and passions. The promise of this verse is that your Shepherd will restore your soul. Restoration involves refreshment, but also brings you back from wandering. He will lead your emotions and feelings to his peaceful path.
Dr. Brian Simmons defines this way that God is leading you as the circular path of righteousness. “It is a common trait for sheep on the hillsides to circle their way up higher. “ (Note on Psalms 23:3 TPT)
Allow God first in your emotions and then follow him as your Shepherd leads you higher and higher on the peaceful path.
Your life will become healthier as you are free of toxic emotions.
The Volcano Video/Workbook series is a great resource when dealing with toxic thinking and emotions.
