Imagine a large boat out at sea in the middle of a storm.  The waves crash up against the sides from every direction, and the crew never knows which way they will be tilting and sliding next.  They are all drenched and screaming, doing all they can just to try and hang on.  It is only getting worse, and panic sets in.  All they can do at this point is hopelessly cry for help. All their knowledge of how to sail the ship ceases to be useful.

Human emotions can be a lot like this scenario.  They can rise up in us with quickness, and before we know it we are being tossed around mercilessly by anger, irritation, discouragement, fear, defensiveness, jealousy, or depression.  We begin to feel like we have no choice but to respond to their pressing demands, or cry out for help.  At this point, all knowledge, methods, and tips for marriage and parenting cease to be useful.  They are forgotten.  They can’t compete with the storm inside of us.

Out on the sea of Galilee, Jesus heard the plea of His disciples in the midst of the tempest, and just like He did for them, He can do for us. He said “Peace be still” and then all was calm.  His love is strong enough to destroy all of our negative emotions, and replace them with a tranquil sea of patience, wisdom, hope, and joy.  So before responding to your inclinations, take a moment to surrender your feelings to God.  Let His love cast them out of your heart completely, and ask Him “what would you have me to do?”.  Listen for an answer.  He has a thousand ways to resolve your problems and is willing to share them if you are willing to hear them.

Knowledge is not enough to battle our selfish reactions to marriage and parenting challenges.  We need the love of God to purify us and then pour out of us onto our family.  Learning to surrender and be under the control of His love instead of our emotions takes practice.

Practice by spending some time learning and thinking about the beautiful character of God when you are not in the middle of a difficult struggle with your self. This will help make it easier to surrender later, in the heat of the moment.

Do you know of any ways to be prepared for an emotional torrent when it hits like a shock?