I woke up this morning with my mind swirling with thoughts and emotions about an experience I had yesterday. I wasn’t sure of all that troubled me or how to react to what I was feeling. It seemed like there were many layers that needed to get sorted out.
My first response was to meet with God about the situation. And then, as I sat with Him I was reminded that sometimes I need to “unpack” all the thoughts that seem to be bouncing around in my head like ping-pong balls.
I refer to this practice as “Unpacking My Emotional Suitcase.” And the prayerful process is helpful as I find clarity, reason, and peace. Here’s how I go about this very useful exercise.
First, I quiet myself before the Lord. And I seek His wisdom and guidance about this specific matter. I work to get comfortable and as relaxed as I can get, especially if I am addressing a really troubling issue.
Second, I use a yellow pad and at the top of the paper – in the wide margin – I write the question I want to have answered. For example, “Why am I so anxious when I think about the meeting I was in yesterday?”
Third, I make a list of every thought that comes up. I don’t judge the thoughts. I just write them down. And I try to fill each of the lines on the paper. The reason I try to fill in each line (there are about 25-28 per page) is that this step takes me beyond surface thoughts. Instead I am able to dig deep and uncover what might not be so easy to pick up.
Fourth, I continue to keep an open heart to the Lord. And then I just sit with my eyes closed to see what rises to the surface. This is where I rely on the help of the Holy Spirit to show me things and help me sort out my thoughts and feelings.
Fifth, I allow the Lord to show me what I should do next regarding the matter. And that action may be to pray for someone or for something to happen. Sometimes this process shows me that the experience “pushed some buttons” in me and therefore it’s like a t0-do note to work on myself. Sometimes it’s becoming aware, which then can lead me into an appropriate response.
The exercise only takes about 10 minutes, and the payoff is so good. With God’s help I am able to figure some things out. I go from anxiety and worry to peace and stability. Plus, if I am to take any actions I know they will come from God’s wisdom imparted to me.
I’m reminded of what God’s Word teaches about this type of practice:
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 NIV
The next time you feel anxious about a situation and you seem to have all kinds of thoughts and emotions swirling around in your hear, do some unpacking. It’s a great way to move from chaos to peace and to handle matters in a wise and godly manner.
I was able to hear you last week and would like to join your group. How can I do that?
Hi Eva,
You can join Choose Life Now and be part of our All New 90-Day Challenge by clicking on this link –> Choose Life Now
I thank GOD for allowing me to come across this text. I be having So much bad stuff happen to me in my life which then leads to all types of thoughts feelings and emotions I have to fight against because I know they are not of GOD. Like for example I just had an accident on the highway and messed up the car coming from a job interview. My license suspended, no insurance and me and my wife use it to go to work. My wife is also four months pregnant. And that’s just a small fragment of the other things at hand. But I know without a shadow of doubt that the LORD is greater and all things are possible through HIM. So i thank you for helping fight this battle through this approach that the LORD gave you Susan. Well definitely try and and please keep me and my wife in prayer. Her name it’s Biancha. Thank you
I encourage you to grab onto God’s hand and get into His Word. Declare His promises over your life and the life of your family. God calls us to Him. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Do immediately whatever He tells you to do. And trust in Him to see you through!
Be blessed. You and Biancha are in my prayers
Thankyou for your wisdom and teaching Susan. I did the fast in January for three weeks and have wondered whether you put yourself on the fast periodically or wait for a very positive nudge from the Holy Spirit. Really struggling with this, as I had a strong pull when I did it in Jan. but nothing since. Pleas help . Blessings
Thank you for your encouraging words and guidelines. I believe this process will definitely benefit not only myself but many others!! Either through me or through simply reading and putting into practice the above. Bless you Susan! I thank God for the amazing work you do for, through and with Him.
LOVE & BLESSES!!
And blessings to you, Margaret.
Thank you for your encouraging words. My prayer is that people who come here continue to grow in the love and knowledge of our Lord.
Our God is so good and wants us to have a life that shows others the amazing life we can have because we follow Him!
Kia ora Susan
Blessings abound.
I followed your readings and at the beginning of this year and right before the start of my internship I experienced the Daniel Fast to help me through the most exciting start of my studying the Word and building that closer relationship with God.
I feel truly blessed that He guides us through the unknown and into His embrace, encouraging empowering and loving us. Through you dear Susan in all simplicity His Word is increased and expanded.
Thank you dear Jesus for bringing forth this mighty woman in Your name…….Amen
Thank you for your message, Denise.
God is so good. Every day I try to be close and allow Him to work through me. That is my greatest desire and ongoing passion.
While not of this world, we are in it with all the distractions, demands and challenges. Staying close to the Lord consistently is key to being strong and living out His truth, especially to those that don’t yet know the love of Jesus in their own lives.
Thank you for sharing your experience with me and others here. You are a blessing.
Ever since I accepted Jesus as my saviour things I used to struggle with, like decisions seems to be so easy now because I just let the Holy Spirit guide me and I always listen. Thank you Susan be blessed.
Dear Susan, Amazing truths. The Spirit of truth guides us in all truths and teaches all things.
I thank and praise God for you. The way He is using you to make known His truth through the Holy Spirit. God bless you and continue to use you.
Thank you, Sarah, for your encouraging message.
Our God is so good and He wants us to have an amazing life! He gives everything we need to live it . . . our part is to take His hand and walk it out!
Be blessed, dear one.