Reflections on Psychology Class

I learned a lot in psychology class today. Here's a sum up of what Dr. C had to say about our feelings:

Since we're all human, it's safe to say that we've all gotten in trouble with our feelings, right? Whether it is frustration that turned into anger or sadness that turned into sorrow, our emotions grow. It is the same way with positive emotions, too. Feelings of happiness, love, or ambition can grow, too. It's like we've got these emotional balloons inside of us and the way we respond to life's curve balls either fills those balloons with air or depletes them.

"Rejoice evermore" 1 Thessalonians 5:16

"and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory" 1 Peter 1:8

The words in these verses indicate that God wants to expand our positive emotions. These verses do not imply dull, stagnant, or lifeless emotions. God wants us to rejoice evermore and to have such a joy that cannot be expressed in words!! That's the God we serve!! Choosing to blow up your rejoicing and joy balloons will force all the other negative feelings balloons.

In addition, God wants to constrict the negative emotions we feel. Psalm 27:1-3 says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? He Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies come upon me to eat my flesh...I shall not fear..." Proverbs 16:32 says, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty and he that can rule his spirit, take a city."

"Our feelings are the ultimate expression of our humanity. With our feelings, we can kill. With our feelings, we can love. This is why God gave to us the Sermon on the Mount. Are we willing to 'go the extra mile...to turn the other cheek...to love our enemies'? Get excited!! God wants to revolutionize our feelings!" Dr. Duane Cuthbertson.