Juggling LifeSample

Balanced Emotions

It's fascinating that the origin of the word "emotion" literally means “to stir up, agitate and push away.” The problem is that when a negative emotion is triggered, it often causes us to be agitated and isolated, with the result of pushing away the very people we love the most.

Is there an antidote for these emotional bunny trails? Absolutely! In Matthew 11:28-29 MSG, it says, “Are you tired? Are you worn out or burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me, and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”

Such a beautiful picture painted here; imagine Jesus sitting next to you gently, asking you to learn the unforced rhythms of grace. When something is unforced, it's something that comes naturally. He says grace should be your first response, not your last. When an emotion tells you to retaliate, seek peace; when bitterness bites, choose to be better! The outcome of an emotion is a choice decided by you, not by the emotion itself.

Living in the unforced rhythms of grace puts you in a place free from burdens, worries, and fears — all of which want to stop you from living freely and lightly in the ocean of His love & grace. The rhythm of grace fits perfectly in a kingdom mindset - it replaces all the ill-fitting nonsense of your past issues and puts it all squarely on the shoulders of Christ’s perfect performance! When the scripture asks, "Are you tired?" You shouldn't be. When it asks, "Are you worn out or burned out?" Again, you shouldn't be. These are all symptomatic of living under the law, and when a person lives under the law, the "always" outcome is a life lived and filled with unbalanced emotions.

The good news is found In Titus 2, where we learn that “the grace of God has appeared to all men, and teaches us to say no to worldly passions.” Worldly passions are often negative emotions that want to direct your life and destroy it. However, the Holy Spirit says here that the grace of God gives us the ability to say no to these ungodly emotions and to live self-controlled, godly lives in this present age.

Reflection: Do you need a greater understanding of the unforced rhythms of grace? Take some time today to meditate on Matthew 11 and allow His words to transform you into a person with beautifully balanced emotions who not only understands the depth of His grace and favor and lives in it as well!