Dealing with crucifixion, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. He felt intense emotions. ‘Being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground’ (Luke 22:44 NKJV). So strong were these emotions that He prayed for the cup of crucifixion to pass. But that night, Jesus broke the domination of emotions by obedience to the will of His Father, saying, ‘Not My will, but Yours, be done’ (v. 42 NKJV). Not only can emotions be ruled by obedience, but they will obey faith. Emotions will do what we, in faith, order them to do. David said, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name’ (Psalm 103:1 KJV). David ordered his soul, the centre of his emotions, to bless the Lord. He believed his soul and everything in him would do what he commanded. Feelings can be transformed from drama to blessing. Paul believed that negative emotions can be put off, and positive emotions can be put on. ‘Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy’ (Ephesians 4:22-24 NLT). Again he writes, ‘Let the peace of God rule in your hearts’ (Colossians 3:15 NKJV). It is clear from the Scriptures that emotions can be governed, and the will can respond to God’s power and faith rather than the drama of emotions.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.