Day 11: What to Do When You Just Want to Spaz - Part One
“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
Our flesh (mind, will, and emotions) can get pretty loud. It likes to get all spun up over the tiniest of things! If you’ve ever gotten mad about a sock on the floor, or been the one who left the sock on the floor, you know it happens. Usually, it’s not about the sock at all. Whoever is the one getting upset has probably been letting frustration and anger build up over lots of little things for quite some time. When you let things build up, eventually, you’re going to blow. You have to learn to deal with the frustrations of life in a healthy and godly way.
When your flesh is yelling so loudly you can’t hear God, you’re in dangerous territory. These are the times when the word “divorce” gets thrown around, rifts are created between friends, and all sorts of other evil things are given room to move. Obviously, we don’t really want these things, but as it says in Proverbs 17:14, “The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.” One tiny moment of letting yourself go can cause a chain reaction of turmoil in your life.
When you’re that upset, no one needs to hear a “thing or two” or any other “piece of your mind.” It’ll only cause more damage. When your mind is a basketful of tangled thoughts and emotions, what do you do? First of all, give yourself time to calm down. Once you're more at peace, you will be able to receive direction from the Lord. Getting yourself in a calm place can be a challenge, so read on for some practical stuff.
Things to do when your flesh is screaming (instead of taking it out on other people):
Things to do when your flesh is screaming (instead of taking it out on other people):
- Get in a room by yourself. Go ahead and cry if you think it will help, but then get yourself back up off of that bed, look yourself in the mirror and start talking the Word! You can say things like Philippians 4:13 and 1 John 4:4. Wash your face. It helps.
- Call a godly friend. Preferably someone with a known ability to resist coddling you, and who will give you the truth of the Word. Someone who’s not afraid to give you a proverbial kick in the butt, if need be.
- Put on some worship music. The Bible says that the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and that it’s in His presence you’ll find fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11), so put on some music and get in His presence! Stay there until the nastiness has melted away.
- Thank God. Snap out of the negativity and turn your focus to the good things God has done, and will do, for you!
It’s going to take effort to make the right choice when you’re steaming mad, but I know you can do it!
Homework:
Do you have someone you can call when you need godly advice—someone who won’t be afraid to speak the truth to you when you need it? If so, thank God for it! If not, ask the Lord to send you one!
For my younger audience:
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“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16
Have you ever felt really frustrated or upset--so much so that you felt like you just couldn't stop it, and then it keeps getting worse and worse? Have you ever gotten so agitated that you said or did things you were sorry for later?
Me too!
To keep yourself from saying or doing things you'll be sorry for later, you need to a plan of action! When angry, sad, or frustrated thoughts come, you need to come up with ways to direct your attention on good stuff fast.
Here's some things you could do:
- Get by yourself and read some Bible verses out loud. Pick some out ahead of time. I like Philippians 4:13, 1 John 4:4, and Psalm 103 (look, you even get a bonus Scripture!).
- Put on some worship music. Sing and dance you're heart out! Even if you don't feel like it. Soon enough, if you keep at it, you'll find your mood has changed.
- Once you're calm, talk to your Mom and Dad about it. They'll help you figure things out!
Making the decision to stop yourself before things get out of control isn't always easy, but it's worth the effort, and will become your habit.
Ok
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