Ok, come on!  Get those hands up!  We have all had what we would describe
as having a “bad day.”  I can think of so many, beginning with waking up late, sitting in bad traffic because I woke up late, disagreement with the spouse (not highly recommended to have as you are rushing out to go to work and then you end up crying in the car up until you pull into the parking lot), my kids not responding to what I want them to do, or just waking up feeling pissed off at the world.

The list goes on and on!  I used to be accustomed to having bad days mainly because situations did not work out the way that I wanted them to.  This was normal behavior for me, until one day,  I broke down because I was sick and tired of having these “bad days.”  So, I finally decided to ask God about my “bad days.” Well, I did get an answer, but it wasn’t the answer that I was expecting.  The answer was “me.” 

Yep me!  It was brought to my attention that a lot of my “bad days” kept occurring because of how I reacted. Ouch!  I would play the blame game and not manage my emotions in my reactions to everyday situations.  The Bible says:

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of sound judgement and personal discipline (abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind  and self-control).”
-2 Timothy 1:7 (Amplified Version)

“Be sober (well balanced and self-disciplined), be alert and cautious at all times.  That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion (fiercely hungry), seeking someone to devour.” -I Peter 5:8 (Amplified Version)

In other words, I had already been given access to receive His grace and strength to live my life with self-control!  Not only could I change my reactions through His Word, but there were strategies that I could apply so that I could manage my emotions effectively.  After realizing that, I decided to take a self-reflective inventory on myself.  This did not happen overnight and it took consistency.  Here are the steps that I began to take so that I could conquer each day victoriously.  You too can apply this right now!

1. First, I asked, “Kia, what are you so upset about?”  Examine your heart first 
before external influences.  Try your best to avoid taking your anger out on those closest to you.  If you already have, like me, then confess and apologize immediately to that person or group of people.

 “Let us test and examine our ways, And let us return to the Lord.” 
 -Lamentations 3:40 (Amplified Version)

“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart;  Test me and know my anxious thoughts.”- Psalm 139:23 (Amplified Version)

   a.   Whatever the issue is confess (say it aloud) release it (let go), and pray 
about it to God!  Worrying and being angry about it is not going to change the situation!  

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS.  For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.” -Matthew 11:29-30 (Amplified Version)

2.   Make a conscious decision to think about what you are thinking about!  God already knows what you’re thinking anyway.  If you are still thinking about whatever is bothering you, then clearly you have not released it.  Begin to change your mindset! Keep speaking the Word of God over that situation every time those thoughts come back.  Tell Him, “Lord I am still bothered by this situation.  Help me to overcome this.” Thank Him in advance for working the situation out.  He is doing it, even though you do not see the outcome yet! Faith!  Remember it is impossible to please God without faith.  

“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me”
-Psalm 94:19 (Amplified Version)

“We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ.” 
-2 Corinthians 10:5 (Amplified Version)

3.   Problem solve– take steps to do what you can do in order to better manage your emotions.  God desires to work with us in our relationship with Him in order to bring about change.  This means as we are praying about it, and spending time with Him and His Word, we have a responsibility too!  Whether it’s going to a therapist, getting in bed earlier, making sure you have a consistent time for yourself, do it!   

4.  Finally, if you have not done this already, ask Him!  Pray and ask, “Why does this keep happening?  Is there something you need for me to learn from this situation?  Does this have anything to do with me?”  

Remember!  God still has a plan for you!  Not only does God use all of our “bad days” to work together for our good, but His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning! With the Father, we have a new start everyday!  He will continue to use every area of our lives to process and grow us up by showing us how to trust and become more like Him!

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.  “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” 
-Isaiah 55:8-9 (Amplified Version)

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all  things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose
-Romans 8:28 (Amplified Version)

“It is because of the Lord’s loving kindness that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness.  -Lamentations 3:23 (Amplified Version)

In conclusion, as you make the decision to trust Him daily, you will see growth and overcome this particular area of your life.  I am speaking from experience! I haven’t arrived yet, but I am growing step by step! So let us keep moving by His faith, and our victories will lead to bigger ones! I pray that this was not only encouraging, but also a breakthrough for you.  If it did, don’t forget to share and pass the information along!

-Kia

P.S. Helpful Implementation Tips
Begin by using the scriptures that I mentioned above, when you feel like you are in a rut!   Write them out somewhere and say them aloud.  This is called a confession of faith, when we express that we are in agreement with God’s Word, no matter how we are feeling or what the situation looks like.  I too put this into practice.  Before stating the scripture, I state the following:

 “Father I thank you that (scripture here).”  I personalize the scriptures with “me” or “I am” if the subject of the scripture has an impersonal word like “be.”  

 I guarantee that as you put God’s Word into practice, you will see changes in your life!