Issues Of The Heart. Job Mothiba

      Human emotions are a gift from God, a good gift wrapped up in the very nature of us. If you check the word emotion, it contains the word motion, because feelings are fuel that move us. So, actions are natural followers when our feelings lead. And, unfortunately our feelings are not always the most trustworthy leaders. Much of the authors often quotes, “follow your heart”. But according to (Jeremiah 17: 9), it is not a wise one. “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out.”

      The heart is a place where impressions become feelings that result in motivations. If left unchecked, our heart can depend wholly on its own counsel and cause us to distrust others and the wisdom of God. That is why “be true to yourself” can be dangerous counsel sometimes because it depends on what kind of “self” is making demands. Therefore, following our hearts may ultimately lead to a paranoid and isolated life.

      When we are “moved” with emotion, we tend to weep at a grave side or rejoice at the birth of a child, these are part of the human fabric and make us like Jesus, who wept and loved and; felt abandoned. (John 11:35, Matthew 27:46).

      We show our emotions differently. Some feel more deeply, weep more easily and love with more passion than others. As someone may be thought or said to be “emotional” or even too emotional when they simply express their emotions with liberty.

      For I know for the fact that sometimes, when people misbehave it is not always because they are bad or want attention. It is a cry out for help. Since you don’t know the pain someone feels inside or the hurt they carry around. You don’t see how miserable they are feeling and, the fact that they are blaming themselves for stuff they had no control over. Such as death of their loved ones etc.

      So, next time you see such people, pray for them. We all hurt and express how we feel differently. Some hide it deep inside until they explode. Some go to the gym or tell everyone they know. Life is not easy for everyone but, you can choose to help someone or you can choose to talk bad about them.

      I know people with depression, who cut themselves to inflict pain and some overdosed. You just never know the pain behind someone’s smile. They can hide anything with a smile and some lies that “I am great blah, blah, blah…” Let’s love one another. God loves us all “He is good to all, and has compassion on all he has created.” (Psalm 145:9)

      We all make stupid mistakes in life. We do things we regret. I have also done many things that I am not grateful for, especially when in pain of the heart, of which sometimes I need help and support. I may have crazy ideas and those ideas don’t always work out right. But, God is great.

       “...Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28)

       Smile, today is going to be a great day. Just trust God and know He would not let you fall. Everything is going to be alright, maybe not today, but eventually.

       “… Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Psalm 30:5)

      Do you sometimes feel it in your bones that something is not right, (especially when you wake up in the morning) something that you have always known but, you do not know why?

      Perhaps, every time when the sun goes down you also face another night of uncertainties. You wait for the world to spin around just to survive. But, when you see the morning sun burning through a silver mist, don’t you want to thank Someone?

      Do you even wonder why in spite of all that is wrong there is still so much that goes so right and beauty abounds?

      First, you woke up. Next, you got up. And now go ahead, finish the process by looking up to God and give thanks that you can see the sun of hope glimmers with promises.

      Tell yourself that I am stronger than the challenges of yesterday, and the challenges of today will make me even stronger. “Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, The Lord is a light for me.” (Micah 7:8)

      So, begin your day with a light heart, breathe out the cold air of disappointment and breathe in the warmth of positivity. Let all your worries be swept aside or simply look beyond them and move into your freedom. Smile and share the love of God. His love for us compares no bounds. There is none like Him. None ever. “...He will quiet you with his love...” (Zephaniah. 3:17)

      Moreover, begin your day in the Spirit and you will be conscious of the guidance of the Holy Spirit right through the day. Let God have His way, whatever the cost. Hence it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him...” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

      At this moment, you may feel sad, sick, disappointed, lost and alone, and you want to hear words of reassurance, words to calm your fears. Talking to your best friend is sometimes all the therapy you need but, I want to tell you that there is a friend who sticks closer than your brother. So, give all your anxieties to Him. He knows exactly where you are, how you feel and He has an amazing plan for your life. He sees your lack, suffering and pain. He will surely supply an opportunity bigger and greater than before. He will make a way. For He is for love, restoration, peace and hope. Open your heart and invite Him into your life. Just to be close to him, He will satisfy every thirst, every hunger and heal all your diseases. For everything you need is found in His presence. “He will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

      Our feelings are real and they are powerful but, they are not more powerful than God and truth. There are days you will need to tell your feelings to stay home and rest, because they are speaking against what God is telling you to do. Do not let your feelings convince you to push your faith off the cliff because the problem showed up. You can suffer pain and yet still praise God. You can lose but, still gain so much more in spiritual growth. So, you have to command your soul (mind, will, and emotions) to praise the Lord because your feelings are saying otherwise. “Let everything that has breathe praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6)

      Thus, if you do not have a devotional life, you will have an emotional life. For a devotional life produces a promotional life. So, stay true to yourself and never be ashamed of asking what God’s will is for you and stick to it. At the end of the day before you close your eyes, be content with where you have been, and proud of who you are. You are inferior to no one. Though others may treat you that way, but that is their problem. You are above all of this. People will always have their own opinions of you. It is their right but, it should make no difference to you. God’s opinion matters for you.

      May the grace, love and peace of God be with you. Let not your heart be troubled.

      Regardless of what you feel is wrong or right you must know that the enemy is always running after your soul. If he cannot devour you, he can at least make you lose hope. Since, there is a choice to make in every temptation because you are a free moral being, go beyond what you feel like doing and do what is right. Every time you do what is right when you do not feel like it, you are growing. Nothing is hidden from God’s eyes. He sees you everywhere but you are nowhere. Stay in one place, be grounded and bear fruit. “…Whoever believes need never be shaken.” (Isaiah 28: 16)

      For what is designed to make us strong and mentally tough can also cause our blood pressure to reach astounding levels. Sometimes, it is the simplest and smallest problem or challenge that can push you over the edge. Because adversities are not predictable, there is no way of knowing when they are going to show up and interrupt your life.

      With less or no confidence in God the smallest negative feedback will knock you sideways. You could be having the greatest day ever then, out of nowhere a hurdle appears in the middle of the track, without warning, and you find yourself tripping and falling. So, rather than letting that stop your forward progress, decide to make