Emotions...

If you live anywhere in the world today, you've heard that Barack Obama has been elected the next President of the United States. I'm not going to disguise my emotions about this but will come out directly and say, "Lord, have mercy!". This is most definitely a time to pray for our country.

The mood around our house has been a little gloomy and sometimes a bit angry and frustrated since last night, which has lead me to do a little thinking. I went on a short walk outside this morning to pray and vent some emotions to the Lord. (I asked if we could possibly move out of the country for the next 4 years, but I didn't get an affirmative on that...) After praying, I immediately felt much better. At least, I was a little more level-headed and able to reign in some "not so nice" and sarcastic comments that all too often escape my lips. Contrary to my raging emotions, the Lord gently reminded me that the world is not going to end simply because a liberal democrat was voted into office, and I don't need to fear - He's still in control!

I came back into the house feeling more calm, cool, and collected. And I began to think about my emotions and the power they can have over me if I let them. You see, in the past whenever I was feeling angry, stressed, frustrated, sad, lonely, disappointed, or a combination of all of them, I had some "comfort items" that I would run to hoping they would make me feel better. And the one item that was at the top of my list? You guessed it: food. I had convinced myself that eating would give me an emotional boost, or at least make me forget whatever was bugging me for a little while.

Emotions can be so tricky! And it's so easy to give into them. Had a bad day? Here, eat this bag of chips. Stressed with the amount of work you have to do? Why don't you just eat some cookies and forget about it for awhile? Frustrated or angry with someone? It's okay, much on a candy bar...or two. You deserve it. Caught in an uncomfortable situation? Hide behind this can of pop. These thoughts are often racing through our minds, and instead of replacing them with Scripture we head off marching to the pantry. Believe me, I know.

I mean, let's be honest. If I would go into our pantry and stuff my mouth full of junk food, what is that really going to help? It's not like the election results will change because Bekah ate a candy bar! And eating based on your emotions in not going to help you either. Don't let them control you! I chose to go on a prayer walk this morning instead of snacking away my frustration and disappointment, and I got the result I was looking for -God's peace. (And I know I burned more calories than I would have while snacking!) But believe me - there is no food in the world that can offer you peace and satisfaction. That role belongs to God alone.

So, be on the alert. Cooperate with the Holy Spirit to keep your emotions in check. And, please be in prayer! ~Bekah