All too often, we can take hold of a faulty but understandable belief that our emotions, what we feel, are the things that control us, how we react, and the choices we make in the world.
But in reality, God has given us the power to rise above our emotions. We might not feel thankful but we can choose to give thanks; we might not feel love but we can choose to be loving; we might not feel happy but we can choose to be joyful.
Learning to work out the muscle of making the choice to act in the way that God has called us even when we don't feel it will not only bring life to the ones around us, but will also help beautify our own souls. We no longer have to be slaves to circumstances or difficulties but can live in truth and freedom no matter what life brings us.