Eliminating Negative Emotions with Determination and Faith: A Lesson from Jesus

As I was planning and preparing to visit my family next week, I started feeling a bit nervous. I was getting the gifts ready when I realized that some had been stolen during last week’s robbery. Meanwhile, I was also trying to install a second lock on my door before leaving Tuzla. In short, getting ready for the trip made me somewhat anxious. 

Recently, in my dreams, I often receive some kind of key or solution to the challenges I'm facing at the time. This was true for this struggle as well. In the dream, while visiting home, someone sat next to me on a train. The presence of this person was unpleasant, but I endured it. At that moment, a strange growth, resembling a worm, appeared on my fingers. In the dream, I tried to examine it. When the ticket inspector came to collect my fare, I noticed the train was half-empty, yet the person remained seated next to me, intruding into my personal space. I asked her to move, but she refused. I then asked the ticket inspector for help, but he said he couldn't assist, so I pushed her away from me. 

When I woke up, I reflected on the dream and my upcoming visit to my mom and the rest of the family. I'm eager to see them, but also slightly anxious because there's so much I feel I need to accomplish and so little time. Occasionally, when I get anxious, my fingers begin to itch. If I'm not cautious, I inadvertently let the nervousness invade my "personal space," and it lingers around me for too long. 

I interpreted a dream as a sign to be mindful of my emotions and to dismiss anything that isn't from God. There are times when we ask Jesus for help with things we can handle ourselves, with some determination and faith. Whether it's depression, despair, doubt, or any other negative emotion that enters our lives, we should ensure we eliminate it with force. As Jesus said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force.” - Matt. 11:12

The kingdom of heaven is abundant with peace, rest, love, and goodness. We can experience it wherever we are, as the presence of Jesus, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, is always with us. We have the choice of the company (atmosphere) in which we reside. 

Let me pray for you: 

Lord, I pray for your presence of peace and loving kindness to saturate the atmosphere and heart of the person reading this blog post. I also ask for grace for the person to learn to resist and overcome any form of negativity invading his/her space. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.