I am Emotionally Lost!

 

Often times, the feeling of guilt is the root cause when one is emotionally lost; in this case, guilt stemming from a heart

that is overwhelmed as a result of sexual sin. But then, the good news is that God loves you the way you are! Yes! And when feeling emotionally lost, especially due to the burden of sexual sin, He provides guidance for finding healing, restoration, and renewed connection with Him via His Word. Let me share with you some practical steps rooted in Scripture:

1. Confession: Remember I said He loves you? Now, feel absolutely free to come to Him and talk to Him about it. Admit your sin to God with a genuine heart. God does not condemn a repentant heart. Remember, His grace is greater than any sin. Also, the Bible assures us that confessing our sins opens the door to God's forgiveness and cleansing. Pour out your heart to God, like David did in Psalm 51 after his sin:

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1st John 1:9).

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1).

2. 
   
   Self-Reflection: Next, you would need to ask yourself what led to these emotions. This is so important so as to safeguard against falling back into it. David’s prayer in Psalm 139:23-24 can help:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

3. Embrace God’s Love and Acceptance: Like I said earlier, feeling emotionally lost often stems from feelings of guilt and shame, but the Bible assures us that God loves and accepts us in Christ just the way we are. You need to see things in this light.

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

You need to also resist isolating yourself in guilt. Instead, meditate on God’s promises:

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

4. Guard Your Mind and Heart: Avoid triggers and situations that lead to sexual sin. You need to be intentional about this. There are people you may need to cut off from. There are places you may need to stop going to. You may need to stop staying up late, especially alone. You may need to stop a whole lot of things. In fact, some have even gone as far as deleting or uninstalling the browsers on their devices during this period as they seek healing and reconnection with God. You have to get this right. What does the Bible say?

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23).

5. 
   
   Renew Your Mind: This is a so important point. You need to replace sinful thoughts with God’s Word. You need to also replace sinful speech with God's Word.

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind" (Romans 12:2).

I particularly like the way this verse is rendered in The Passion Translation:

"Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes." (Romans 12:2, TPT)

6. 
   
   Accountability: Share your struggles with a trusted Christian mentor, pastor, or counsellor. Confessing to a fellow believer can bring healing, but many people don't know this. They would rather be so secretive about their challenge because of the shame and guilt of everything. But, I tell you, the saying, "A problem shared is half-solved", still stands valid today, even in this situation. When you share with a trusted senior person in the faith, the person offers you counsel and joins in praying for you, making you one of his or her projects.

"Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed" (James 5:16).

7. 
   
   Depend on God for Strength: Look, sexual sin can be a battle, a battle you cannot fight on your own. So, asides speaking with an accountability partner, you need to depend on God for strength to overcome. God can equip you with strength to overcome. Regular prayer and immersing yourself in God’s Word can help you stand firm. God specialises in redeeming brokenness. Sexual sin does not define your identity — your identity is in Christ.

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1st Corinthians 10:13).

"I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you" (Psalm 119:11).

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

8. 
   
   Move Forward with Purpose: You need to move on with your life as you continue to build with God. Remember, spending time with the Word and in the place of prayer is the key. Learn from your mistakes, and let God use your story for His glory. Pursue a deeper relationship with Him, and seek to live a life that reflects His holiness:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

"Be holy, because I am holy" (1st Peter 1:16).

Finally, by turning to God in humility, trusting His promises, and relying on His power, you can find healing and purpose, even in the midst of feeling emotionally lost.