To View the Video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VXQBVRnUUTs
SHOW NOTES
Welcome to a new week of the Hope Rescue Podcast. This week, we are continuing our series going through some of the topics covered in Tim’s new book “Breathe.” If you’re interested in purchasing the book, follow this link: https://www.hoperescue.org/product-page
In Tim’s new book “Breathe'', he has a chapter on the concept of emotional defiance. Emotional defiance occurs when your emotions begin to dominate your intellect. When we become hyper-emotional and we're not thinking logically, our emotions begin dictating our reactions. Tim calls this emotional defiance because it occurs when your emotions are defying your mind. It's the defiance of the emotions against the will.
It's never healthy to make decisions based solely on our emotions, but we should know how to express our emotions in a healthy and balanced manner. Although our emotions shouldn’t dictate our decisions, they should still be acknowledged and addressed. Kimberly explains that when we make decisions based on our emotions, we are similar to a toddler throwing a tantrum when he or she doesn't get what they want. Toddlers aren’t able to process what they’re feeling as well as adults can, so they react according to how they feel in the moment. As mature adults, we need to process what we’re feeling, allow ourselves to feel it, and then make a logical decision based on reality.
Emotions have no intelligence. Even when we know the truth about something, if we allow our emotions, such as fear or anxiety, to dictate our reactions, we will behave in an inappropriate manner. In Hebrew, the word used for emotions is "kilyah" which literally means "a kidney" but figuatively means the mind or inner self. The word is used 31 times in the bible, sometimes used to describe the actual kidney organ, but it’s also used to describe emotions. For example, the word "kilyah" is used in Psalm 7:9 which says, "Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!" The same word is used in Proverbs 23:16 which says, "My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.”
Our emotions can filter stimuli in two ways: either by responding or reacting. Tim explains that when our emotions are in check, they function like a healthy kidney. They are able to filter through the good and the bad, hold onto the good and excrete the bad. On the flip side, when our emotions are not in control, they react like a poorly functioning kidney. Psalm 16:7-9 says, "I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.” Tim and Kimberly explain that this scripture rings true for them because when they wake up in the night feeling anxious, their hearts instruct them to scripture and prayer. When their emotions are in check, they can process heavy feelings in the night by not reacting to their feelings alone. If you struggle to sleep at night because of racing thoughts and emotions, allow the presence of the Lord to be seen in your heart and watch the Holy Spirit take control of your emotions. Tim explains that when we turn to the Lord during emotional battles, our emotions become a source of blessing instead of terror.
How do we fight back when our emotions begin to battle against our minds? Tim answers this question by explaining the importance of having scripture resident in our minds. It’s incredibly important to memorize scripture and understand the promises and truths outlined in scripture. If our toolboxes are packed with scripture and the promises of God, we will be prepared when storms come our way. Tim closes by quoting Psalm 1:1-3 which says, "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” When our minds are saturated with the Word of God and we meditate on His promises, we develop a reservoir of tools to use when emotional battles come our way. Join us next week as we continue the conversation on controlling negative emotions in our lives. We love you all and are thankful for your continued support!
QUOTES
“When our minds are saturated with the Word of God and we meditate on His promises, we develop a reservoir of tools to use when emotional battles come our way.” -Tim
“When we turn to the Lord during emotional battles, our emotions become a source of blessing instead of terror.” -Tim
REFERENCED SCRIPTURE
Psalm 7:9 "Oh, let the evil of the wicked come to an end, and may you establish the righteous— you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God!"
Proverbs 23:16 "My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.”
Psalm 16:7-9 "I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”
Psalm 1:1-3 "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”
