When we are in constant pain,
our emotions can wreck havoc
in our life quickly if we allow it.
Karlton explains.
“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel” (Proverbs 20:3).
One of my favorite sayings is “Don’t Poke The Bear.” In other words, don’t stir up strife, or antagonize people needlessly. But too often I am the grouchy bear that it is a bad idea to “poke.”
Endless illness, ongoing suffering and pain, the daily frustrations of living with a disease–these things keep us on the edge mentally and emotionally. Our feelings can be easily hurt or riled, our reactions can be out of context going well beyond what is reasonable regarding small or simple issues or problems.
I try to stay philosophical, to remember Christian teachings and ideas, but the emotions can be very difficult to tame and rein in. As they say, “recognizing that you have a problem is the first step.”
It is hard to admit that on top of a list of illnesses and diseases we also have mental and emotional liabilities that can make a bad situation much worse. Trying to rein in these out of context emotions is like trying to ride an angry bull.
We need the Lord’s help to keep perspective and hold onto these runaway emotions that are often brought about, or antagonized by our illnesses. Remembering we are prone to emotional reactions that may be out of context can help us to reconsider our responses to those around us.
While it is not good to bottle up our emotions, neither is it good to give free rein to our emotional liabilities caused or magnified by illness. We should be wise enough to avoid “Poking the Bear,” and be aware that sometimes we are “the Bear.”
Ask God to send His peace and wisdom into your heart. Let Him help you to keep stock of your emotions and guide you in your reactions.
Prayer: Dear Lord, sometimes our emotions get the better of us, give us wisdom and guidance to rein in our emotional frustrations. Amen.
About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He needs the Lord’s help with his emotional liabilities, and is grateful for the peace God gives.
Do your emotions sometimes cause you problems, especially with others?
I love this group, Rend Collective. They are a bit “hip” and yet also relaxing and comforting. In this song, “Lighthouse” they remind us that God will always light the way and that we can trust His promises that He will care for us–even when we lose our temper or go into the dumps of sadness. I hope this upbeat, cozy song brings you comfort today as you lean on God, despite your circumstances. Hugs. -Lisa
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Karlton – this is such a great devotional.
Even though I live alone, the emotional upheaval that can get going in my mind is never all that far away, potentially. Just because no one else is around for me to grumble at is on “get out of jail free card”. It is just as detrimental when I am “grumbling” at myself or allowing the enemy to take over my thoughts and bring more anxieties.
It definitely woos me away from letting the Lord calm the seas – just as He calmed the seas of Galilee when the apostles were caught up in their own storms – literally and probably emotional, as well.
I don’t believe that any emotion we encounter is wrong and there are always reasons behind them but what we do with them is key. I am hoping to do better in this whole area and your thoughts are a good reminder.
Thanks!
Lynn
Thanks Lynn. It is an ongoing challenge, but thankfully we have the Lord’s help. Excellent point about the emotions not being wrong in themselves, but what we do with them that matters.
Blessings.
Thank you for your insightful devotion. I’m a bear today, just ask my husband! I look forward to some down time this afternoon to get my act together with God’s help. Thanks for sharing. Jackie
Thanks Jackie. The “Bear” in me often comes out, it takes much to tame him 🙂
Blessings.
Wow Karlton, such the perfect devotional today. Its definitely been one of these weeks for me. Even though ive tried to keep my grumpy comments to myself, some have slipped on out. It is quite the challenge at times to keep both pain and mouth in control. But as you said if we choose to allow God to keep those emotions, thoughts, choices in check, that’s when we can respond with love and the correct reactions. Thanks for the refresher! God bless di
Thanks Diane. Our illnesses poke and prod us so much that we can find ourselves always on edge and fighting grumpiness. It is good to have the Holy Spirit to give us wisdom in getting through such times.
Blessings.
Boy, did this hit the nail on the head for me. Lynn, I too live alone and don’t really have many people around that hear my emotional outbursts, but sadly my foster cat bears the brunt. He’s very people oriented and always requesting petting, treats, etc. Because of my neuropathy it is extremely frustrating when I find myself tripping over him or losing my balance as he cuts me off headed to the kitchen. Of course then he comes to me to comfort me as I’m crying on the couch in frustration. This time my answer came in ending my foster relationship with him and hopefully having him adopted into a home that can better deal with his rambunctious self. And me? I feel guilty for putting him through the transfer process again. Even though I know in my spirit I did the right thing, my emotions are still all over the place. Oy!!!
Oh Diane! I really feel for you & praying now. May God pour out His peace, as you grieve & heal this loss. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Praying fervently for you and your kitteh, may Jesus grant peace in your heart, and a new blessed home for the kitteh.
Carlton,
I really needed to hear this. I’ve been a chronic pain & depressed person as a result of pain for 20 long years. During that time I’ve been an awful bear due to no relief from vertigo with neck and back pain. Its hard to be nice sometimes. I’ve forgotten what I used to be like. . I often don’t know that I’ve been a bear because I’ve become a slave to my health problems. You opened my eyes & though there may not be a solution for me, I do need to trust & rely on my Lord to help me each day. I lost sight of him in my small world. I hope this will help me find my way through this with our God, Jesus my savior forever. Thank you! Dee
Thanks Dee. Praying the Lord will help you with the pain and depression.
I recently read this verse, and somehow your comment brought it to mind 🙂
Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
You have really hit the nail on the head again Karlton. Bless you !!
I blame my heart failure but I seem to be unable to cope with stress without blowing up and biting peoples heads off. I feel very bad about it and it seems to get worse as my condition worsens
Blessings
Stuart (England)
Stuart, yes, our illnesses definitely ramp up the stress and shorten our fuse.
We very much need the Lord’s help to rein in our frustrations and temper.
God Bless You.
Thank you Karlton
What a descriptive devotional Karlton & sadly it’s very apt for me!
My youngest son (with intellectual disability) has an incredible ability to know perfect timing for “poking the bear” for EVERY member of our family! Sadly it means he gets roared at a LOT, which in turn is poking the bear back to him!! This week has been “one of those weeks” with him & I sure haven’t helped the situation with how I’m feeling…… so I needed this to put things in perspective. Thank YOU! 🙂 God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thanks Kerryn. Praying for you and your son.
Blessings.
Thanks dear friend! Lotsoluv Kerryn