June 2, 2021 Issue, Page 7 of 8

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June 2, 2021 7 Emotions and tornadoes “dumpers”. These men and difficult or that we don’t like. women, because of the ob- Emotions always follow vious lack of emotional con- thoughts—emotional ex- trol, are often labeled with pressions are simply a visi- some form of emotional “dis- ble manifestation of our in- order”. visible thoughts. The good Many believers fall into these two categories, because we’re news is that emotions can often unaware that we who be controlled by controlling have been saved by Jesus our thought life through the have a third option. Jesus power of the Holy Spirit. lives with us, all the time, When behavior, choices and and He understands storms! words are driven by out-of- Rather than stuffing and be- control emotions, disaster coming a walking “garbage is inevitable. Our owner’s Dixie Yoder can” or instead of spewing manual, the Bible, explains our rubbish out on others, Emotions and tornadoes the connection between the we can give our emotional have some things in com- brain, emotions and mouth storms to Jesus. mon—both can be very Unloading our garbage into and indicates clearly that be- destructive. Okies react to His bottomless dumpster, we cause we are created in the tornado warnings in sever- listen quietly while He reas- likeness of Almighty God, we al ways. Some hide in the sures us of His love and un- can talk and act differently deepest, strongest safe-room limited power to protect and than we feel: until the last raindrop falls; provide for us. Emotions others stand in the front “In a multitude of words that would otherwise swing transgression is not lacking, yard with a video camera un- constantly from low to high til the wind becomes so vio- but he who restrains his lips will become increasingly sta- lent standing is impossible, ble. Many so-called medical is prudent….the tongue of or even scream defiantly at disorders are emotions rag- the wise utters knowledge the storm, determined not to ing out of control in response rightly, but the mouth of submit to the brutality of the to Biblically wrong thinking. the self-confident fool pours approaching tornado. Renewing the mind accord- out folly. A self-confident There are similar reactions to ing to God’s word is the only fool utters all his anger, but the profound emotional hurt way to enjoy permanent, a wise man holds it back and and disappointment experi- good changes in emotions, stills it….when I was a child, enced in the “storm” of be- choices and behavior. trayal, abandonment or trag- I talked, thought, and rea- There are some physical edy. Some bury their hurt or soned like a child; now that conditions that can make anger in the deepest, stron- controlling emotions more I have grown up, I am done gest “safe-room” they can difficult, including thyroid, with childish ways and I have find inside themselves. We blood sugar and hormone put them aside…for I can call them “stuffers”; people imbalances, and it may be do all things through Christ who appear, for a time, to be necessary to address these Who pours His strength into controlling their emotions. medically. But even then, by me…” (Proverbs10:19; 15:2; Others may stand in the God’s strength in us, we can 29:11; 1 Corinthians 13:11; “front yard” of their lives, choose to restrain outbursts Philippians 4:13 Amplified) recording and replaying the of selfish temper and words. Infinite Grace Ministries of- “video memory” of the hurt; Persistent lack of self-con- screaming into the storm. fers balanced Biblical Guid- trol has no place in the life In their determination not of an adult who has received ance for strengthening and to give in, they constantly salvation in Christ. We are restoring relationships, and express their hurt, rage and to grow up in the practice of growing up spiritually. Call frustration to anyone who restraining selfish, immature 580-774-2884 or visit drdix- comes near. We call them responses to things that are ie.org for more information.