More Than A Feeling

 The classic rock song "More Than A Feeling" by Boston is a song that describes how the right song can turn a person's feelings from dreary to bright and sunny.  Feelings are powerful forces in our lives, yet they can change at a moment's notice.  One of the disciplines every person must develop is evaluating and sifting through his feelings.

Every person has at least one moment in his life where his emotions scream at him to act immediately.  The challenge is that a decision made in the heat of the moment is often a poor decision.  Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it?"  One of the truths that this passage coveys is that a person's heart, his emotions, can lie to him.  If a person continually makes emotional decisions, chances are he will make some poor choices.

Rather than making decisions when emotions are running high, every individual should strive to follow the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:15-16, "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."  In this text, Paul expressed that a Christian should strive to imitate God in every decision he makes.  The principle of choosing one's actions carefully is applicable to navigating emotions.

A person navigating emotions should first stop, go somewhere without distractions, and take time to evaluate what he is feeling.  He should then consider the facts surrounding the situation and how they have contributed to his current emotional state.  When making decisions, it is vital that the individual consider the consequences associated with any potential decision. After taking time to evaluate one's feelings and the consequences associated with possible decisions, The individual should then, prayerfully, make a decision.  

It is not uncommon for an individual to feel overwhelmed while evaluating his feelings and, as a result, put off making a decision.  While it is important to allow adequate time to process one's feelings, it is also important to come to an actionable decision.  Sometimes just coming to a decision can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with the decision making process.  If you find yourself struggling to make an actionable decision, consider setting a deadline for yourself and asking a trusted friend or family member to help hold you accountable.

When it comes to our feelings, we can either master them or be mastered by them.  As parents, one of the most important lessons we can teach our children is how to evaluate their feelings and consider them throughout the decision making process while not allowing them to dominate that process. 

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