What Controls You?

I was an avid Mets fan when I was growing up. My brother and I spent many hours listening to games on the radio (we didn't have a television). I knew every player and many of their stats. I still remember 1986 when they won the World Series against the Red Sox. Poor Bill Buckner...right through his legs!

While being a baseball fan brought a lot of enjoyment in my life, it also did something to me that wasn't healthy. It controlled my emotions. My family could tell right away whether the Mets had won or lost on any given day by seeing what kind of mood I was in. If the Mets beat the other team, I was happy as could be. If they didn't, I was a mess. I just couldn't get over it! Do you know anyone like this?

I eventually realized what was happening in my life and stopped following sports altogether for years...until the Chicago Bulls came along in the 90's and won title after title! Jordan sure was amazing to watch! Over the years, I've made progress and I am learning to guard myself against things that control my emotions.

It's important to remember that just about anything can reign over our emotions: our relationships, our performance at work, the stock market, a job loss, our children, etc. Here are a couple verses that have helped me along the way:

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." Ephesians 5:18

Don't let the devil use anything to consume your life and control your emotions. Instead, submit yourself to God, let him consume you, and you will live above your circumstances!