StuckSample

It’s easy to feel stuck in our negative feelings, isn’t it? The anger over a past betrayal that never leaves us, the sadness over a loss we can’t shake, the anxiety over the future that stays with us—the list could go on and on! But, as Paul reminds us here, this isn’t the way God intended us to live. As followers of Jesus, we step into full freedom when we choose to put our faith in Him. And that freedom extends even to our feelings! We aren’t bound forever to our current feelings. In fact, the Holy Spirit in us can produce new things—new qualities, new feelings, new emotions—that help us move forward with freedom.

Where there once was sadness, we can live with joy. Where anxiety used to have a hold, we can find peace. Where harsh words and hurt lingered, we can see kindness and goodness in their place. Where anger used to run the show, we can see gentleness take over. The Spirit of the Lord works in us to renew our minds, change our feelings, and produce good fruit in us. That doesn’t mean we’re never going to struggle to get out of negative emotions. And it doesn’t mean that feeling those feelings is bad or wrong. In fact, it’s part of the human experience! But it does mean that we can approach them with the truth that they aren’t there forever. That, thanks to the Holy Spirit, there can and always will be room for new fruit to grow.

Take a look at the list of qualities Paul listed here. Which one do you want to see more of in your life? Ask the Spirit to help develop that in you as you move through the week.