As I ponder on this verse and others like it, it seems to me that the Lord is pretty intent on teaching us to develop and maintain a childlike mentality. In other words, He wants us to feel and act like His little children. He wants us to have a childlike dependence on Him, believing that, like any good father, He will take care of us, watch over us, and provide for us. He wants us to believe that we can relax and be free in Him.
If you have lost your inner child, then this is the time to get that child back.
Children Are Simple and Uncomplicated
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. Romans 8:16 kjv
Here again, we are told that we are children, the children of God. If that is so, we need to know what children are like so we will know how we are to conduct ourselves and live our everyday lives. That's why we have been looking at what children are like throughout this chapter.
The last of the characteristics of children we need to consider is their simplicity.
By nature, children are simple and uncomplicated. They are also inquisitive in a healthy way, but they don't get involved in reasoning because it causes too much confusion. They ask a lot of questions, but they don't get mentally and philosophically deep.
As we have seen, John 10:10 tells us Jesus said He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He also said the devil comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. One of the things He was referring to was the religious system of the day that kept people in bondage because it was not filled with life, joy, and freedom but only with rules and regulations and reasons.
In John 9 when Jesus and His disciples saw a man who had been born blind, they wanted to know who had sinned to cause him to be blind: the man, himself, or his parents. (vv. 1,2.) Asking that type of question is typical of us. That's the way we are — we always try to figure out everything in our own lives and the lives of those around us. We want an answer for everything.
Then when Jesus anointed the man's eyes, sent him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, and the man came away seeing, the Pharisees called him in and questioned him. They wanted to know Who had healed him and how He had done it. (vv. 6-34.)
Spiritual manifestations and demonstrations are things we humans cannot understand. We don't have to know how Jesus heals in order to be healed or to be instruments of His healing for others. We can be like the man who was healed of his blindness by Jesus. We can say, in childlike simplicity and trust, “I don't know how He did it; all I know is that I was blind and now I see.” (v. 25.)
We always want to get so theologically deep about everything. But when we start trying to explain God, we get into all kinds of problems. Children don't try to figure out or explain everything. They just accept things as they are and enjoy them. They are not double-minded. They make up their mind what they want and go after it without being bothered by what others think or say.
Children are persistent. They stick to their dreams and goals longer than adults because they know what they want and are not afraid to go for it. As a result, they don't get as discouraged or depressed as adults do.
Children are not afraid of emotions or of showing them. What they feel on the inside is written all over their faces. If they are happy, excited, or enthusiastic, it shows.
We can let children be an example to us in this way. If we are happy in the Lord, we can and should show it to the whole world as a witness to them.
Become like a little child. Stop worrying, fretting, and getting all frustrated and upset trying to figure and reason everything out. Learn to relax and take it easy.
Make a decision to enjoy the rest of your life. No matter what your situation or circumstances, regardless of your past experiences or future prospects, determine to find a way to bring a little laughter and fun into your life.
If you want to be emotionally whole, find and restore the lost child within you.
Conclusion
In this book we have looked at how to manage our emotions so that we can enjoy and use them in the way God intended. God gave us emotions to enjoy the abundant life He wants to give us and to be moved in compassion to minister to others for Him.
Until we learn to manage them, our emotions can be our greatest enemy because Satan will try to use them to keep us from walking in the Spirit.
No matter what has happened to you in the past, God can heal you so that you can look at the world through His eyes and enjoy what He has given and is giving you. The rewards of managing your emotions are great — apply what you have read in this book and learn to enjoy everything you do.
Endnotes
Chapter 1
1 Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 1990), s.v. “emotion.” (back to text)
2 Webster's II New College Dictionary (Boston/New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995), s.v. “emotion.” (back to text)
3 Webster's II, s.v. “emotionalism.” (back to text)
4 Webster's II, s.v. “emotionalist.” (back to text)
5 Webster's II, s.v. “emotionless.” (back to text)
6 Based on definitions from James Strong, “Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary” in Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (Nashville: Abingdon, 1890), p. 10, entry #974, s.v. “trieth,” Psa. 7:9 — “to test (espec. metals)”; Webster's II, s.v. “try” — “to melt … toseparate out impurities. …”; and William Wilson, Wilson's Old Testament Word Studies (Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d.), s.v. “TRY, TRIAL” — “… to prove, especially metals, often of God, as trying the hearts or minds of men. …” Another meaning is “to melt, to smelt metals: specially of gold or silver, to purify with fire. …” (back to text)
7 Watchman Nee, The Spiritual Man (New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1968), pp. 190,191. (back to text)
Chapter 2
1 Based on definition from W.E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White Jr., Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1984), “New Testament Section,” p. 401, s.v. “MEEK, MEEKNESS,” B. Nouns. No. 1 — “… It must be clearly understood, therefore, that the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. …” (back to text)
2 Webster's New World College Dictionary, 3rd ed. (New York: MacMillian, 1996), s.v. “recompense.” (back to text)
Chapter 3
1 Webster's Ninth, s.v. “mantra.” (back to text)
2 Bibliographic citation, Nurse Practitioner (May 1994), 19(5): pp. 47, 50-56: “It has been estimated that up to 75% of all visits to primary care providers involve presentation of psychosocial problems through physical complaints.” (back to text)
Chapter 4
1 Based on definition in Webster's II, s.v. “bitter”: “has or is a sharp, acrid, and unpleasant taste.” (back to text)
2 Webster's II, s.v. “forgive.” (back to text)
3 Webster's II, s.v. “forgive.” (back to text)
4 Strong, “Greek Dictionary,” p. 33, entry #2127, s.v. “bless,” Rom. 12:14. (back to text)
Chapter 5
1 Strong, “Greek Dictionary,” p. 77, entry #5479, s.v. “joy,” John 15:11. (back to text)
Chapter 6
1 Webster's II, s.v. “despair.” (back to text)
2 Webster's II, s.v. “distress.” (back to text)
3 Strong, “Greek Dictionary,” p. 55, entry #3875, s.v. “Comforter,”John 14:16. (back to text)
4 W.E. Vine “New Testament Section,” pp. 110, 111, s.v. “COMFORT, COMFORTER, COMFORTLESS,” A. Nouns, No. 5, parakletos. (back to text)
5 Webster's II, s.v. “depress.” (back to text)
6 Webster's II, s.v. “depress.” (back to text)
7 Webster's II, s.v. “depression.” (back to text)
8 Webster's II, s.v. “depression.” (back to text)
9 Webster's II, s.v. “depression.” (back to text)
Chapter 7
1 Webster's II, s.v. “restor
e.” (back to text)
2 Wilson, p. 353. (back to text)
3 Strong, “Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary,” p. 113, entry #7725, s.v. “restoreth,” Psa. 23:3. (back to text)
4 Webster's II, s.v. “abuse.” (back to text)
Chapter 8
1 Vine, “New Testament Section,”, pp. 430, 431, s.v. “NEW,” 2 Cor. 5:17. (back to text)
2 Dr. Robert Hemfelt, Dr. Frank Minirth, Dr. Paul Meier, Love Is a Choice (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1989), pp. 34, 35. (back to text)
3 Strong, “Greek Dictionary,” p. 60, entry #4239, s.v. “meek,”Matt. 5:5. (back to text)
4 Strong, “Greek Dictionary,” entry #4240. (back to text)
5 Vine, “New Testament Section,” p. 401, s.v. “MEEK, MEEKNESS,” A. Adjective, praus. B. Nouns. No. 1, prautes. (back to text)
6 Strong, “Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary,” p. 56, entry #3637, s.v. “ashamed.” (back to text)
7 Webster's II, s.v. “confound.” (back to text)
8 Webster's II, s.v. “damn.” (back to text)
Chapter 9
1 Based on definition in Webster's Ninth, s.v. “obsession.” (back to text)
2 Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2nd ed. (New York: Random House, 1993), s.v. “co-dependence.” (back to text)
Chapter 10
1 Me and My Big Mouth (Tulsa: Harrison House, 1997), pp. 174-77. (back to text)
Bibliography
Hemfelt, Dr. Robert; Minirth, Dr. Frank; Meier, Dr. Paul. Love Is a Choice (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1989).
Nee, Watchman. The Spiritual Man. New York: Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., 1968.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2nd ed. New York: Random House, 1993.
Strong, James. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1890.
Vine, W. E.; Unger, Merrill F.; White Jr., William. Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1984.
Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Mirriam-Webster, 1990.
Webster's II New College Dictionary. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995.
Webster's New World College Dictionary. 3rd ed. New York: MacMillian, 1996.
Wilson, William. Wilson's Old Testament Word Studies. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, n.d.
About the Author
JOYCE MEYER is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than seventy inspirational books, including Look Great, Feel Great, the entire Battlefield of the Mind family of books, and many others. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.
To contact the author write:
Joyce Meyer Ministries
P. O. Box 655
Fenton, Missouri 63026
or call: (636) 349-0303
Internet Address: www.joycemeyer.org
Please include your testimony or help received from this book when you write. Your prayer requests are welcome.
To contact the author in Canada, please write:
Joyce Meyer Ministries Canada, Inc.
Lambeth Box 1300
London, ON N6P 1T5
or call: (636) 349-0303
In Australia, please write:
Joyce Meyer Ministries-Australia
Locked Bag 77
Mansfield Delivery Centre
Queensland 4122
or call: 07 3349 1200
In England, please write:
Joyce Meyer Ministries
P. O. Box 1549
Windsor
SL4 1GT
or call: (0) 1753-831102
Other Books by Joyce Meyer
Battlefield of the Mind *
Battlefield of the Mind Devotional
Approval Addiction
Ending Your Day Right
In Pursuit of Peace
The Secret Power of Speaking God's Word
Seven Things That Steal Your Joy
Starting Your Day Right
Beauty for Ashes Revised Edition
How to Hear from God *
Knowing God Intimately
The Power of Forgiveness
The Power of Determination
The Power of Being Positive
The Secrets of Spiritual Power
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
The Secrets to Exceptional Living
Eight Ways to Keep the Devil Under Your Feet
Teenagers Are People Too!
Filled with the Spirit
Celebration of Simplicity
* Study Guide available for this title
The Joy of Believing Prayer
Never Lose Heart
Being the Person God Made You to Be
A Leader in the Making
“Good Morning, This Is God!”
Jesus—Name Above All Names
Making Marriage Work (Previously published as Help Me—I'm Married! )
Reduce Me to Love
Be Healed in Jesus' Name
How to Succeed at Being Yourself
Weary Warriors, Fainting Saints
Life in the Word Devotional
Be Anxious for Nothing *
Straight Talk Omnibus
Don't Dread
Managing Your Emotions
Healing the Brokenhearted
Me and My Big Mouth! *
Prepare to Prosper
Do It Afraid!
Expect a Move of God in Your Life … Suddenly!
Enjoying Where You Are on the Way to Where You Are Going
The Most Important Decision You Will Ever Make
When, God, When?
Why, God, Why?
The Word, the Name, the Blood
Tell Them I Love Them
Peace
The Root of Rejection
If Not for the Grace of God *
Joyce Meyer Spanish Titles
Las Siete Cosas Que Te Roban el Gozo (Seven Things That Steal Your Joy)
Empezando Tu Dia Bien (Starting Your Day Right)
Books by Dave Meyer
Life Lines
JOYCE MEYER is one of the world's leading practical Bible teachers. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, she has written more than seventy inspirational books, including The Confident Woman, Look Great, Feel Great, and the entire Battlefield of the Mind family of books. She has also released thousands of audio teachings as well as a complete video library. Joyce's Enjoying Everyday Life ® radio and television programs are broadcast around the world, and she travels extensively conducting conferences. Joyce and her husband, Dave, are the parents of four grown children and make their home in St. Louis, Missouri.
GOD Gave You Emotions on Purpose!
Our emotions play a vital role in our living happy, healthy, successful lives. All emotions, from love and joy to anger and fear, are significant in understanding ourselves and others. They help us discover the wonders of this life as well as warn us when we are in danger. But this diversity of feelings is meant to complement our lives, not determine them!
In this life-transforming book. Joyce Meyer reveals powerful truths from God's Word that will help you learn to manage all of your emotions. Through hilarious illustrations and real-life applications. Joyce delivers the keys to keeping your emotions in the proper place while allowing the Spirit of God to lead and direct you.
Dynamic scriptural insights are included on topics such as:
• How not to be led by feelings
• Codependency
• Forgiveness
• Mood swings
• Healing for damaged emotions
• Depression.
Don't allow your feelings to determine your destiny. Instead,
let MANAGING YOUR EMOTIONS invigorate and enhance your attitude for a joyful, victorious life!
Joyce Meyer, Managing Your Emotions: Instead of Your Emotions Managing You
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