Controlling Our Emotions Is a Spiritual Practice
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to humans. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Most sins we commit are due to misunderstanding our feelings and responding inappropriately. The minute we start feeling uncomfortable, our mind reacts. The more uncomfortable we feel, the more anxious we become. As anxiety levels increase, we need to free ourselves from the discomfort. We respond in unfortunate and hurtful ways unless we have the emotional maturity to live with the distress.
Sara Kuburic’s article, “Think of being emotional as a strength, not a weakness,” addresses the trials of facing our emotions intentionally. Kuburic begins by challenging us to “Treat your feelings as messengers.” Emotions do not need to control us. Our emotions are a small part of our whole selves. Emotions are messages for us to read and consider. These messages do not need to be painful. We learn to control the feeling messages when we “Get to know your feelings by name.” When we name something, we can manage it. The issue of naming and control is why God refuses to allow us to call the divine One by name.
Next, Kuburic tells us we must “Embrace the roller coaster…” While mature recognition of feelings as messengers and naming our emotions are helpful, they will not eliminate the ache. Pain tolerance is a necessity. We build tolerance by focusing on emotions with the distance of someone who remains in control. When we see our emotions as a tool we control, the roller coaster becomes less intimidating. We begin to think clearly while on the ride.
Finally, when we invite the Holy Spirit into the process of emotional control, we receive the confidence that we are not struggling alone. When we affirm God’s presence amid our pain, we build trust, knowing God will carry us to a deeper level of growth. Faith becomes concrete when we recognize God’s hand in making our daily lives more livable. Riding the emotional roller coaster with integrity and control allows us to face our limitations with fewer moments of disappointment and sin.