I have to face it! I’ll always be a yoyo—up and down in my emotional state.
I want to stay high or at least even-keeled, happy, and always at peace. But that’s an unrealistic goal for me—at least in this fallen world.
Maybe some of you are like me? (Perhaps we should form our own Yoyo’s Anonymous group?)
I don’t like being so easily moved by my feelings. Nevertheless, that is the way God created me, and my Maker doesn’t make mistakes.
Understanding my emotionality was my first step in dealing with it—God’s way.
I used to see my emotionality as a curse. Now I am wiser; my perspective has changed. The reality:
It is both a strength and a weakness.
I am passionate, enthusiastic, and motivated. I get a lot of things done. I love and feel deeply. I am sensitive. I experience great joys and excitement.
Yet, I easily get discouraged, hurt, disappointed, and flustered. Impatience is one of my biggest enemies. Depression comes knocking often. “Scaredy cat” is my middle name.
I could use my makeup as an excuse; rationalizing away poor responses. I could have a big pity-party when I fail and stay in a defeated pit, or become prideful with success. I could retreat into my shell when hurt. I could make joy my ultimate goal and repeatedly flop.
OR
I can admit, accept and submit my tendencies for God’s purposes.
I can’t change what I feel, but I can change what I do.
I can respond by letting truth lead me instead of my emotions.
Without an awareness or admission of my propensities, they remain unguarded; vulnerable to satanic attack. Satan used to have a field day with me. Now I am aware of his conniving schemes (2 Cor 2:11). I truly don’t have to let my emotions control me; making me sin and reducing my impact for God’s Kingdom!
But I cannot do this on my own! I need the power of God and gratefully it is available.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Pet 1:3-4, see also 2 Cor 10:4-5)
Under God’s control these tendencies can be used for His glory; under my control, they result in “yoyoness.”
To summarize…
Here are the first 2 keys in how to deal with being an emotional yo-yo
1. Admit, accept and submit your tendencies for God’s purposes.
2. Let truth lead instead of your emotions.
I am learning how to better manage my emotional state. My highs are still high, occur more frequently and last longer. My lows are not as low (usually), happen less often, and are shorter—IF I choose to submit myself to God and abide in Him consistently.
I am definitely more emotionally stable now. I have had significant victory in Christ over my emotions. But to think it’ll ever come naturally for me—that’s a pipe dream. I will always have to put out major effort—even fight—so as to not be overwhelmed and consumed by my feelings. I will always be a yoyo. But that’s ok because God loves me just the way He made me.
Next time I’ll cover 5 more keys to effectively manage our emotions.
So until then my friends, think about what your propensities are. What are your strengths and weaknesses? Do some prayerful soul searching. You may not be an emotional yoyo, but be honest with who you are. Accept it and allow God to use your makeup for His glory. It is a much better way to live!
Helpful Resources
How to Control Your Emotions God’s Way
Bible Verses on Managing Emotions
Managing Emotions Seminars or Workshops