Step Five: Deal with Sin and Self

Hebrews 10:22 Let us continue to come near with sincere hearts in the full assurance that faith provides, because our hearts have been sprinkled clean from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

There are times when I'm having a great day. Minding my own business, getting things done, and happy about it. But suddenly something will trigger a memory which has anger, resentment, fear or bitterness tagging along for the ride. . Unless I take hold of this quickly by recognizing where it came from and why, I will fall down a slippery slope of melancholy. My triggers may not always be a memory. It could be I was confronted with a hurtful remark or painful situation. My pride might have been hurt and I'm suffering humiliation. Sadness and melancholy ruin my day. I am the image of Isaiah 3:24 And it will come about that instead of fragrance there will be a stench.
I'm learning that if I take the following steps to get God involved, He is always faithful to show me a way back up that slippery slope.

See it for what it is

Confess sin and self and repent - turn away from following them
Give them over to God - anything that is "not of faith."
Replace lies with truth by reading and applying God's Word

Note: Unless we have Jesus in our hearts and have been born again by His Spirit (see John 3) these steps will not work. This is a process of restoration which taps into the power or life source of the Holy Spirit within that produces something different than our fleshly hearts think, feel and desire. With Jesus dwelling in our heart we have God's authority and God's power to override negative thoughts and feelings. In His time and His way, God will update my feelings with His will.

So now that we have taken this thought or situation captive we must analyze it and see it for what it is. Whatever you do, don't sweep it under the rug, don't push it back down into that hidden chamber of your heart. Take a good look at it, give it an name. Ask God to shed light on any root causes for the reaction and then allow God to give He feedback. Ask Him to expose the reality of these emotions.

Cleanse Yourselves in Holiness

2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let's cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit by becoming mature in our holy fear of God.

Draw Near with a Sincere Heart

Hebrews 10:22 Let us continue to come near with sincere hearts in the full assurance that faith provides, because our hearts have been sprinkled clean from a guilty conscience, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.

Experience Freedom

Psalm 103:12 As distant as the east is from the west, that is how far He has removed our sins from us.

What are the choices for dealing with negative thoughts and emotions?
Express them to others by venting in a toxic manner.
Pack it away back in it's hidden chamber - only for it to come out again at another time.
Give them to God and be rid of them forever.

Considering my goal is to be rid of the melancholy and depression that these negative thoughts cause, I choose number 3! I will recognize, acknowledge and be cleansed of them so that I can move on as an open vessel prepared for God's use in a more excellent way.