“For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has bestowed on us His precious and magnificent promises [of inexpressible value], so that by them you may escape from the immoral freedom that is in the world because of disreputable desire, and become sharers of the divine nature. For this very reason, applying your diligence [to the divine promises, make every effort] in [exercising] your faith to, develop moral excellence, and in moral excellence, knowledge (insight, understanding), and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, steadfastness, and in your steadfastness, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly affection, and in your brotherly affection, [develop Christian] love [that is, learn to unselfishly seek the best for others and to do things for their benefit].” 2 Peter 1:3-7 AMP
REFLECTION
I’ve found that what I choose to focus on and develop impacts my emotions and every other aspect of my life. When I take time to prayerfully ponder the truth of God’s Word, there is a shift in my inner reality and my perspective is blessed, which informs my choices and affects the way I steward my emotions. For example, there have been times when I’ve felt anger rising up, but instead of allowing it to surge up like a volcano and cause damage, I acknowledged it and took it the Lord in honest prayer, and the Holy Spirit helped me better understand why I was angry and enabled me to move forward in a self-controlled, constructive way. And when I’ve blown it, by say, snapping at someone in irritation and, instead of spiralling down, I went to the Lord in raw prayer and repented, He helped me learn from / through it and prayerfully pursue peace with the people involved. It’s not about perfectionism / being legalistic, but it is about doing all we can to stay close to our perfect Lord, being authentic and committed to the sanctification and transformation process.
PRAYER POEM
LORD, You alone are perfect in all Your wonderful ways. Oh, You know those days when I feel like I’m drowning in an ocean of emotion. But, You can still the stormiest sea and instill self-control in me and lead me into peaceful victory. So, I pray to stay so close to You, every moment of every day, come what may.
