Holding in emotion is never a good thing to do. Now some may say that there are emotions we should never let control us, but I am not talking about controlling you. Never let emotion control you, it is a dangerous thing. When people rely on emotions to gauge their actions it usually results in something bad. Like a person who is depressed and gets drunk then extremely angry and allows themselves to fight everyone around them.

Most of those situations where something negative happens from an emotional stance are usually do to bottling up emotion. We get so full of it we just snap, sometimes giving into bad behaviors and even tempting us to end our lives. There are different extremes, but they all hold the same horrible values we need to stay away from.

The best choice of action is finding something unharmful to yourself and others that will help you let out that emotion. Whenever I am sad, angry, or just really upset about something I go outside for a walk or drive. If I am too upset I will forgo the drive and just go for a walk because I do not want to put anyone in danger, myself included. When I was in high school I used different means. One bad relationship after another, cutting myself with sharp plastic edges, taking too much Tylenol, drinking alcohol at school, and often bottling up things until I snapped and got into fights with the people I loved most.

I know that sounds like the typical teenager, but that carries on into adulthood quite often to many people. I graduated with fifty two students in my class and at least half if not three fourths of them are heavily into drugs now. Even though they claim life is better when in a crowd, they are still full of dramas and hurting on the inside. It is hard to see, since being such a small class we all knew each other pretty well. Sure, no one was perfect in high school, and are not expected to be much better. But a lot of them are able to confess that they went to drugs (and many other bad things) because they do not know how to deal with those things.

Trust in the Lord when you are struggling and ask Him for help. Let out your emotions, do not let them control you but release them slowly from your system. Go for a walk when you are upset, if you are angry tear up some paper or maybe punch a pillow a few times if you feel you absolutely cannot hold it in; and do not forget to keep prayer on hand. It is always there when you need it.

Do not regret today when we do not know what will happen tomorrow. Sometimes we are not careful when complaining about our day. We often times want to just give up on some thing or another because we had a bad day. Yes, you could have multiple bad days even and still be in the wrong for wanting to give in to defeat. We are never alone in our aspirations and hopes; many people have the same, or even a completely different goal but no matter what they still have the same general direction they want to go in – forward.

When something bad happens it is not the day’s fault. There is always going to be some kind of negative in our lives; but there is also always some kind of positive even when we feel like everything is crashing down around us. Hope and faith are the two key terms you need to remember when ugly things happen to you. We are not expected by anyone, even God, to have all the answers and be bright and bubbly when everything really sucks. That is just being dishonest with yourself and those around you.

Of course one of the best things to do when going through a difficult time is to pray. It is not only a great stress reliever because you are able to express everything you feel without being restricted to any thoughts and emotions, but it is also a great way of letting God into the situation. Since He has given us the freedom to choose what we do, He does not want to just jump into every situation. Now He is definitely there with you and will “jump in” when absolutely necessary; but just like when a child needs a band-aid and has been going through that stage where they want to do everything themselves, you sit back until they ask because they cannot seem to reach the box.

Keep in mind, however, that we are going to have to do some things on our own. We are not expected to always ask for help, and when we do it for every little thing we will one day be bombarded with some big personal trauma and we will be left to figure it out for ourselves. You just need to try to work through the problems sometimes instead of sitting back and throwing your hands up in the air. You may never see a good day when you are not expecting it or just waiting around for it suddenly appear. Ever person’s situation is different so I cannot tell you how to fix whatever problem you are dealing with. Just remember that there will always be good with the bad, keep prayer on hand and never be afraid to let the Lord in a little more (or a lot more), and try to stay positive while still being honest with both yourself and others.

It is because of God that we are even alive. He planted the seed that brought us to life, and with this life we are given hope to keep us strong and mercy to forgive our wrongs. God has lain many roads for us so that we could choose where to roam. We are individual and the paths we take will never be the same. Endless roads with a lot of possibilities are before us.

But have you thought about where the possibilities came from instead of just what they are? With everything there is a birth. Even the computer you may read this off of. Someone had to come up with the technology. In this day and age technology has grown to new heights never seen before. We are the age of it, yet there is still plenty more to come because we are always growing. The possibilities are growing and building with every new invention.

God gave us possibilities; it is one of the many blessings He bestows.. Now that does not mean that every possibility is the greatest; but it is our freedom to choose which way we want to go and what the resulting factors will be. The positives of the unknown is that there is always hope. With possibilities faith is applied and we are often hanging onto small threads of hope in order to survive while we’re waiting for our answers.

He continually opens the door for us. We find new adventures and ways of life. Sometimes we delve into things because there is always the possibility of finding something amazing in the unfamiliar. As long as you carry God in your heart and not lose sight of Him, you’ll be able to experience the right things and find joy; but following down the wrong path could be disastrous. Just make sure that you keep God with you and that if you are not sure about something that you should pray over it, asking for the wisdom and guidance you need to make the right decision. And don’t forget to thank Him for the wonders that He has bestowed upon us so graciously, especially in those times when we are faltering whilst on the path to righteousness.

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” – Psalm 16:5-8

It is hard staying on the “righteous path.” We have one of those “God moments” where our hearts are so full of Him that we feel like we’re about to burst and on the edge of heaven already! It’s an amazing feeling; but its usually fleeting. We get caught up in the things of everyday life. Going to school, work, grocery store, repair shop, recitals and practices, etcetera. All those things stem into different things like worry about deadlines. We also get caught up in the dramas of life. A partner cheats, a kid breaks their leg, a paycheck got docked and bills went unpaid.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..” -Isaiah 41:10

We forget that God is with us, making sure we’ll be okay. Sometimes we even blame Him for our transgressions. We cry and scream and fight Him, asking why He’d let us get so deep into our troubles. It is hard for us to realize that it is not His fault we are suffering; nor most of the time ours either. Remember that God doesn’t want us to suffer. We are his children, and a part of him and when we hurt so does He.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” – Psalm 23

Stay strong in the Lord. Do not let your sufferings cloud your feelings towards Him. Instead of asking why He lets you suffer, ask Him to help you get out of your sufferings. He does not “let” any of us suffer, because He loves us; but the wicked are cruel and are allowed their choices as are we. Take the path to glory, though it is a hard road to travel. The outcome will be all the better. And keep in mind that tomorrow is always a better day. Even if you’re still suffering then it just means you’re one more day closer to happiness!

It seems easy, stepping into the pool of water where believers are baptized. Or saying the Lord’s prayer, accepting Him into your heart. It becomes a trial when we realize that even though we’ve accepted His eternal love, we will suffer. We are told beforehand, but it really doesn’t seem plausible until we get sideswiped with some kind of catastrophe.

Sometimes it is really hard for us to realize that following the righteous path is not easy. It is a part of true faith – continuing to believe through every trial that crosses your path. God is our stronghold, though. We are never alone in our troubles, even when we don’t take the time to call on His name.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Psalm 3:5,6

We need a little help, and God is our best shot at getting it. Of course, He’ll put people in our paths sometimes as a physical representation of help, but other times He’ll give the strength to endure on your own. If we trust Him we will be guided; never alone for a second and continually held up by strong hands. Even when we feel incomplete and utterly weak.

The best choice when struggling and in need of help is to cry out to God. Either physically which sometimes relieves stress, or quietly. Prayer is always available throughout the day. Whether you are walking down the hall to ordering food in the drive thru, you can always pray and God will always hear you. Though sometimes the best prayer is when you are surrounded by silence and able to control your thoughts and actions is usually best so you can focus fully on Him, He does not require it.

God never takes what you say with a “grain of salt.” Your words are just as powerful as any human being. You will be heard, and loudly.

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” – Jeremiah 17:7

Confide and trust in the Lord, for He is strong and unconditionally loving. He will hear your plea and give you what help He knows is necessary. Sometimes it seems that we are not heard because we are left to do everything ourselves; but it is the will to do it and get it done that He has given us. After all, what kind of Father would He be if He did everything for us? Children have to learn how to do some things on their own. He is our guide and help when needed!

The above verse isn’t just for little children and teenagers, it applies to people of all ages and backgrounds. Honoring is a form of respect. Today we are yelling at our predecessors for being the reasons we aren’t happy, when in fact it is our own fault. We are blinded to the fact that we make our own happiness. Even if someone does something against you, you can find the good side of the situation.

We need to practice respect in our daily lives. It starts in the home, and we build ourselves on it so that we can function in society. If you didn’t at least act respectful to your boss, you’d surely be fired. Of course there may be some people whose ideas are against your own, but you should be able to respect the fact they are individuals.

God respects us by giving us the ability to choose what path we go down and what steps we take from there and how we take them. We forget to thank Him for that sometimes, which is disrespectful. Can you imagine disrespecting Him? It isn’t usually on purpose, but we disrespect God many times throughout the week. We’ll pass by someone struggling and not give a second glance. Is that right? They’re God’s children too, and we could have been that helping hand that God put in their path while they were suffering.

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.. They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”

-Proverbs 1:8-9

“Respecting your parents or guardians is the first step; and you can only grow from there. It comes in many different forms throughout our lives. Whether it be smiling back at the checker in line at the grocery when it is apparent they are having a bad day, to respecting the person who is against you in your beliefs and tells you God doesn’t exist. That is a huge smack in the face for Christians, but everyone is entitled to their opinion. “Respectfully” disagree if you find yourself in that situation even; but never let go and let anger or some other negative action or emotion get the best of you.”

And just a few final thoughts on this matter: if you give respect you can expect that some of it be returned. As long as you are respectful there is no need for someone to be disrespectful towards you. Of course, it comes along in life anyway but you are the better for not giving into that bad behavior. So keep in mind that respect is an essential part of functioning in society. As both a “regular” person, and a Christian.

While it might seem like the sadness and mourning will last forever it won’t. You can use that time to grow in the Lord and get closer to him like never before. When you depend on Jesus he will take your mourning and turn around into dancing. You will no longer feel the burden that you did before. Your heart will be filled with joy and you’ll be smiling when you wake up in the morning. This kind of peace only comes from Jesus.

Sometimes it might seem like months and months before we ever experience this kind of joy but know that whatever you are going through that you are not alone. Jesus is right there waiting for you to give it all to him. If you fully trust and depend on Jesus go with peace knowing that everything is in his hands because it is! In this day and age not enough people have peace and the reason why is because they are not trusting in Jesus.

In Isaiah 43:1-2 it says: “But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” It can seem that when things are going on that no one is there and that there will never be a light at the end of the tunnel. But fear not because Jesus has redeemed you. He has called you by name and you are his. It does not matter if you are walking through fire or worried about how you will eat the next day because Jesus is with you in all things.

Worry often leads to fear and stress. This can create health problems and other things to come up. In 2 Timothy 1:7 it says: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” Whenever you start to worry about tomorrow or the night, rebuke it and trust in God. It is only in Jesus that you can find peace, power and experience the love of God.

In Isaiah 54:14 it says: “In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.” Trust in the Lord and know that he is watching after you.