Overcome Your Overwhelm – Impulse

Have you ever watched a two-year-old throw a fit and wish that it was appropriate for adults to do the same? I’ll admit, I have. While it isn’t abnormal for a toddler to fall apart over a small thing or act grumpy all day because they are tired, we all recognize there is something unattractive about an adult who throws a temper tantrum or sulks all day.

Even though I know that I cannot allow my feelings to dictate my actions, I struggle with the application. Too many days, I find myself acting out Overwhelm Trigger #3: Impulse – I should do whatever I feel like. Or just as dangerous – I don’t need to do the things I don’t feel like doing.

I’ve noticed the Bible speaks to the subject of self-control frequently, but as Christians, we don’t spend much time on the topic. We hear a lot about love, joy, and peace. But what about self-control or patience? Sure, we don’t love to talk about them, but when we lack these virtues, we will likely find ourselves in messy situations or wishing we could rewind time.

Impulse triggers overwhelm because it tells us that our feelings are most important. Even though we all know we cannot trust every thought and emotion, far too often, we use them as an excuse for our choices. And I know I am not the only one who wishes I could go back and remake a poor decision I based on how I felt at that time.

The application to our need for self-control is broad and diverse. We all have different struggles, and on top of that, each day and season can highlight a vast array of challenges.

Currently, in these days of being homebound, I have wrestled with giving into the feeling of fatigue. Doctors aren’t sure of the cause, but most days I am tired, and other days even more tired. In those times, when I feel extra exhausted, I have choices to make. I struggle – how do I, despite how my body feels, despite how my mind feels, decide I am going to get moving and do the tasks in front of me? Equally challenging, how do I know when to slow down and let my body rest instead of pressing toward my desire for achievement?

Impulse tends to change its tactics. One day it calls us to give into laziness, while the next day, it calls us to jump into something new. But one consistent thing, one thing we can count on, is that impulse makes our feelings king.

Instead of being ruled by emotion, we need to learn to live by wisdom.

One of my favorite passages in the book of James gives us insight as we wrestle through this topic. “Who is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.” (James 3:13-14 NASB)

We all know that life has enough chaos on its own without adding to it. Yet, most of us make choices every day that add complexity. If you are like me, you find yourself spending time focused on or worried about the things you can’t control instead of taking responsibility for the things you can control.

Over the last few months, I have been challenged with the thought: What if I stopped shifting blame and looked inward? What if I examined myself and altered my steps based on what I found? What if I have more control than I think I do? What if I can make choices that can determine both my outlook and outcome?

I am learning that when I feel anxiety, stress, and chaos, this is a reflection of my inner life. These feelings are a signal that I need to dive into what is happening in my soul. When they surface, I have a choice – I can give in, letting them reign, or I can choose wisdom.

What about you? Are you struggling with self-control and discipline? What would it look like for you to apply God’s wisdom today?