Overcoming Negative Emotions: Trusting God's Plan
Summary
In my sermon, I discussed the story of Joseph, highlighting the themes of jealousy, anger, bitterness, and rage that are prevalent in his narrative. I emphasized that these negative emotions can lead to destructive outcomes and urged listeners to let go of such feelings. Instead, I encouraged them to seek God's help in overcoming these emotions, enabling them to show God's love to others, even those who have wronged them. I also stressed that God has a plan for everyone's life, which may not align with worldly notions of success, such as wealth and fame. Instead, our ultimate destiny is to know and trust in Jesus, the only destiny that truly matters. I reassured listeners that no matter their past mistakes or current struggles, God is not done with them and has a plan for their lives.
Key takeaways:
- Let go of negative emotions like jealousy, anger, bitterness, and rage, and ask God to help you overcome them [ 37:27]
- God has a plan for your life, and your ultimate destiny is to know and trust in Jesus [ 38:11]
- No matter your past mistakes or current struggles, God is not done with you [ 40:27]
- We don't get to write the script of our lives, but we can trust in God's plan [ 02:01]
- Bitterness, jealousy, and anger are non-biblical attitudes that can lead to destructive outcomes [ 36:11]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 50 [07:40]
2. Ephesians 4:31 [37:27]
3. Psalm 40 [35:31]
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key events and challenges in Joseph's life as described in Genesis 50?
2. How does Ephesians 4:31 relate to the story of Joseph and his brothers?
3. What does Psalm 40 say about God's deliverance and how does it relate to Joseph's experience?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Joseph's story illustrate the concept of God's plan, even in the midst of suffering and hardship?
2. What does Ephesians 4:31 teach us about handling feelings of jealousy, anger, and bitterness?
3. How does Psalm 40 provide hope and encouragement for those who find themselves in a "pit" or difficult situation?
Application Questions:
1. Can you recall a time in your life when you felt like Joseph, experiencing hardship and feeling like your life was "off script"? How did you see God's hand in that situation?
2. How can you apply the teaching of Ephesians 4:31 in your life, especially when dealing with feelings of jealousy, anger, or bitterness?
3. Reflecting on Psalm 40, how can you maintain hope and trust in God when you find yourself in a difficult situation?
4. How can you demonstrate forgiveness and love to someone who has wronged you, as Joseph did with his brothers?
5. How can you encourage someone who is currently in a "pit" or difficult situation, using the story of Joseph and the teachings from Ephesians 4:31 and Psalm 40?
Devotional
Day 1: God's Plan Transcends Our Pits
God's timeline often differs from ours. When we find ourselves in life's pits, we may cry out for immediate rescue, but God's plan may involve a longer timeline. This is not because He has abandoned us, but because He is working out a greater purpose in our lives. Remember, God pulled David out of the slimy pit and set his feet on solid ground, not just for David's sake, but so that many would see and put their faith in God ([35:31]).
Psalm 40:1-3 - "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were in a pit and God's timeline differed from yours. How did that experience strengthen your faith?
Day 2: The Destructive Path of Jealousy and Anger
Jealousy, bitterness, and anger are non-biblical attitudes that can lead to destructive actions. These emotions can start small but can quickly escalate into rage and poor decisions. As believers, we are called to rid ourselves of these attitudes and instead show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness ([36:11]).
Ephesians 4:31-32 - "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when jealousy or anger led you to make poor decisions. How can you apply the teachings of Ephesians 4:31-32 to prevent this in the future?
Day 3: Our Destiny is Jesus
Our ultimate destiny is not wealth, fame, or prosperity, but a person - Jesus. No matter how off-script our lives may seem, God has a plan for us. Our purpose is to know Jesus, live our lives in a way that brings honor and glory to Him, and sometimes, that means spending time in a pit ([39:42]).
John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of your destiny in Jesus. How does this understanding shape your daily life and decisions?
Day 4: Letting Go of Bitterness
Holding onto bitterness, anger, and jealousy can lead to a destructive path. Instead, we are called to let go of these feelings and show God's love to others, even those who have wronged us. This is possible because of the understanding of the love of Jesus and the forgiveness that has been afforded to us ([37:27]).
Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you struggled to let go of bitterness. How can you apply the teachings of Colossians 3:13 to forgive and show love?
Day 5: God Can Use You
No matter what has happened in your past, you do not have to let it define your future. God can use your past experiences, even the painful ones, for His glory. If God can use Joseph and David, He can certainly use you ([32:46]).
Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Reflection: Reflect on a past experience that you thought was a setback. How can you see God's hand in it now? How can this experience be used for His glory?
Quotes
1. "God pulled me out of the slimy pit and he set my feet on Solid ground and he did that so that many would see what God has done in my life so that many would see how God has delivered me and that they would come and that they would put their faith in their trust in An Almighty God." - 34:48
2. "Bitterness and jealousy and anger are non-biblical attitudes... I see a lot of mistakes being made in this story because of jealousy." - 36:11
3. "Your past doesn't have to determine your future... if God can use Joseph, if God can use me, then God can use you. You do not have to let the things in your past Define your future." - 32:46
4. "If you were going to write a script for your life... it wouldn't involve being born into a totally Dysfunctional Family being hated by your brothers and thrown into a pit being sold into slavery falsely accused of rape thrown into prison and forgotten... and yet that was the script of Joseph's life." - 02:45
5. "You would not be here this morning if God were done with you... God has a plan for you he loves you he wants you to know his son Jesus and if you know his son Jesus he wants you to live your life in a way that brings honor and glory to him." - 40:07
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