“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” - Romans 12:2

If you have ever been to a doctor for pain, you have probably been asked to rate it on a scale from one to ten. It is a way to measure what you are experiencing. But when it comes to emotions, it is not that simple. Emotions are complex, and sometimes it is hard to even put into words what you are feeling. That is why counselors use emotional charts. They help pinpoint what is really going on beneath the surface.

If you do not learn to recognize what you are feeling and understand why, your emotions will dictate your life. You will be tossed back and forth by feelings you cannot explain. You will react instead of respond, and over time, your decisions will shape the person you become. Your emotions are real, but they are not always telling you the truth. They are influenced by your past experiences, your pain, and the filters you see the world through. If you do not take the time to understand them, they will lead you in the wrong direction.

So how do you fix this? It is not about trying harder or forcing yourself to do better. It starts with believing differently. You cannot change how you feel overnight, but you can start changing what you believe. Instead of letting past trauma define you, you can ask God to help you see what he is doing through it. Instead of being paralyzed by fear or disappointment, you can trust that God is working all things for your good.

Ask Him today, “God help us to believe different. Help us see beyond our past. Help us recognize the good that has come out of the hard things we have faced. Let us not be defined by what we have been through but by the truth of what you say about us.” If you ask Him, He will do it. He will renew your mind, and when He does, everything changes.