YOU + GOD = MORE THAN ENOUGH (The Keys to Walking in Spiritual Authority & Emotional Intelligence)Sample

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Our emotions can sometimes get the best of us. They play tricks on our minds and hearts. They attempt to bring to life situations that aren’t real or factual and cause us to spiral. However, at the heart of walking in emotional intelligence lies the ability to fully embrace human emotions without being overwhelmed. Truth be told, it can be hard at times. One can’t become spiritually mature if emotional intelligence doesn’t exist, and vice versa.

God wants us to have the ability to observe our thoughts and feelings with compassion, free from judgment or attachment. He wants us to recognize and acknowledge that every emotion serves as a messenger, carrying valuable insights about our inner self that needs healing. For instance, let’s look at King David. In Psalm 143:7-8 NIV David cried out to the Lord “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” Or if we look at Psalm 38: 9-10 "All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes".

In the middle of deep anguish, King David had to surrender his emotions to the one he knew could bring healing to his soul. I admit that I had to completely surrender, and still do quite a bit in order to walk in emotional maturity. When I am in a position where my emotions are getting the best of me, I resort to trying to control the situation. That’s when God lovingly and quietly reminds me that I need to surrender the situation to him. When I surrender, I get the breakthrough needed to walk victoriously out of the situation. When emotions are running high, it requires surrendering the thoughts and taking them captive. I Corinthians 10: 3-5 "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ".

In order to fully operate in emotional intelligence, you have to take mental inventory of what is affecting you. You have to identify what trauma triggers might be causing your reaction (ex: childhood, relationship, occupation, or social) and process the emotions. God wants it all, not just part of it. The process of surrender is hard. It is the art of letting go and opening ourselves to the flow of life. God wants to see in each of us is what is life giving. It is through surrender that we find freedom in Christ. By surrendering to the present and gaining wisdom in the process, we cultivate a profound sense of inner peace, regardless of external circumstances. When we step back and take time to allow emotions to die and maturity to set in, we turn our pain into purpose, anxiety into content, and depression into joy.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, Grant me the ability to walk in emotional intelligence. Guide me as I surrender my emotions to you. Illuminate my awareness to recognize moments of control, anxiety, fear and hopelessness. I ask the Holy Spirit come in and be my guide. Release your wisdom that will lead me towards peace, contentment, and joy.