Messed Up Emotions

…strong bulls of Bashan surround me; 13 they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me (Ps.22:12-17).

The noonday sun removed its shine watching Jesus die on the cross. Christ had become sin so that God could make everyone who would believe on Him righteous. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy. No one can have peace or joy without first having righteousness. Righteousness may seem antiquated for some but simply put it means right thinking and doing things God’s way.

Right thinking is not available to people without the righteousness of Christ. Wise thinking leads to right living, which has nothing to do with a high IQ or mental competency. Sin darkens the mind and twists our ability to see the truth about others and ourselves. Emotional wounds caused by rejection and the like interferes with how people process information and how they make decisions in life. Bitterness rooted in our hearts due to offenses and the “raw deals” of the past defile our perspective of people and circumstances. Messed up emotions hinder us from thinking clearly.

The mental torment Christ endured on the cross was horrendous. Scripture indicates that demons liken to bulls, lions, and dogs surrounded Him. Satan’s assault of intimidation, hatred, and the lie could not enslave Him. In fact, by dying for our sins, Jesus set us free from Satan’s power to keep us captive. Devils do torment humans today, but they have no authority over believers who trust in God and call on His name to deliver them. Believers who surrender to Christ's rule in their life will experience peace and joy, and their righteousness will radiate like the noonday sun.