“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.”
—Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

Emotions are powerful. They can inspire us to take bold steps of faith—or leave us paralyzed with fear. But here’s the thing: emotions are indicators, not dictators. They’re signals, not steering wheels.

Science tells us that emotions originate in the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for processing feelings. But here’s the good news: you’re not stuck there. The prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for decision-making, can rise above those emotional responses. This is where Scripture comes in—renewing your mind isn’t about suppressing emotions, but learning how to respond to them with wisdom.

Think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He felt overwhelming sorrow, even to the point of sweating blood (Luke 22:44). But He didn’t let those emotions control His actions. He acknowledged them, surrendered them to the Father, and chose obedience over fear.

• What emotions tend to control your decisions?
• How can you pause, pray, and respond differently when strong feelings rise?
• What truth from God’s Word can anchor you when emotions feel overwhelming?

Lord, thank You for creating me with emotions, but help me not to be ruled by them. Teach me to bring my feelings to You, to process them with wisdom, and to respond with faith instead of fear. Amen.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
— (Psalm 46:10, NIV)