Negative Feelings Keep Us Stuck
Have you ever made a decision out of anger, jealousy, bitterness, or pride? As humans, we often react based on our emotions—this is normal. But when we allow those emotions to drive our actions, we risk stepping outside of godly wisdom, which can lead to undesirable consequences and, ultimately, bondage.
In the heat of a disagreement, we may act or speak without thinking, praying, or meditating on the situation. These quick reactions can break relationships, close doors, and leave us with deep regret.
When we act from anger, bitterness, jealousy, or pride, we elevate our flesh to the throne of our hearts—pushing Jesus off of it. This not only delays God’s will for our lives but also distances us from His peace.
The good news? Jesus wants to set us free from the reign of the flesh so we can look and live more like Him.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (Jn. 3:30)
Spiritual Unrest
In the weeks leading up to writing this blog, my soul was in turmoil. I began experiencing strange waves of anger, jealousy, and resentment over small things. I snapped at people. I felt ugly inside—and worst of all, I couldn’t figure out why I was acting that way.
Then, I read a prophetic word that said we were in a season of shaking, and God was surfacing the things we could no longer take with us into the next season. As soon as I read it, something in my spirit responded.
I realized this battle was spiritual. So, I turned my eyes to Jesus.
Negative Emotions Keep Us Stuck
Through prayer, the Lord revealed that He was leading me down this uncomfortable road to expose some hidden emotions in my heart. These emotions—anger, bitterness, jealousy—were deeply rooted and keeping me stuck.
They don’t reflect the character of Jesus. And for me to grow and walk in freedom, they needed to be surrendered.
When we allow negative feelings to sit on the throne of our hearts, they can delay our breakthrough. Sometimes the very thing holding us back is the emotional stronghold we refuse to release.
The Heart Is Deceitful
Scripture makes it clear—negative emotions lead to destruction:
“An angry person stirs up conflict, and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.” —Proverbs 29:22
“Do not fret—it only leads to evil.” —Psalm 37:8
“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, but when the heart is sad, the spirit is broken.” —Proverbs 15:13
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” —Proverbs 14:30
We are born into sin. Our flesh is impulsive and emotion-driven. That’s why when we make decisions from emotion, instead of truth, we often end up hurting ourselves and others.
But when we die to our flesh and place Jesus back at the center, He sets us free.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” —Jer. 17:9–10
The Battle Between Flesh and Spirit
Sin is deeply rooted in us. And with it comes the emotions and reactions that wage war against the Spirit.
“For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other…” —Gal. 5:17
We must be intentional in this battle. Dying to flesh doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by seeking Jesus daily in surrender and submission.
As we spend time in His presence, He will purify our thoughts and uproot the emotions that don’t reflect Him. When Jesus reigns in our hearts, we become more like Him.
Empowering the Spirit to Lead
You might be wondering: How do I actually die to my flesh? Where do I start?
Here are a few simple but powerful steps:
1. Spend time with Jesus. Pray, worship, and read His Word. His presence renews your mind, heals your heart, and redeems your life from sin’s grip.
2. Fast. Whether from food, social media, or anything else your flesh craves, fasting disciplines your body and empowers your spirit. It teaches you to say no to the flesh and yes to God.
3. Repent. Every time an ungodly thought or emotion surfaces, repent. Don’t justify it. Don’t feed it. Let it go. Over time, you’ll strengthen your spirit to lead your life, not your emotions.
Make these practices part of your lifestyle. Over time, you will notice freedom and clarity as your spirit grows stronger than your flesh.
More Than Conquerors
Take courage. You are more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:37). No matter how long you’ve allowed negative emotions to lead you, there is freedom in Jesus.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can die to the desires of the flesh and live in victory. Let Jesus take His rightful place on the throne of your heart. He is faithful to lead you into freedom.
I hope this word encouraged and blessed you.
Much love,
Jackie