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Emotional Distress Quiz

Emotional distress is first and foremost a signal that something is not working in your life.  Confusion and uncertainty accompany it.  Something is wrong…but what?  You could quell that discomfort with alcohol or pills or food.  Many do.  Most of us have at some time or other done just that, and we temporarily felt a little better.  We tend to cling to the misconception that past events can skew future odds.  Because people are so driven to up the ante after a loss, I believe that the medial frontal cortex unconsciously influences future decisions based on the impact of the loss, in addition to registering the loss itself.  When I suggest “loss” I am contemplating three things:  1) loss in the belief of our self, 2) loss due to separation from another person or thing that was important in our lives, and 3) loss due to our underlying faith being challenged and misdirected.

New American Standard Bible (©1995) states:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”–Hebrews 11:1

     On the other hand, you could externalize the discomfort: “If it weren’t for him… “. “If it weren’t for the economy…” Blame, like alcohol, offers temporary relief at best.  The important thing to understand is that you wouldn’t be the person you are today without those bumps and the Emotional Discomfort that went with them.  Each bump was a challenge to change and grow.  Of course, hindsight is easier than insight in the thick of a life-changing event.

There is one way to turn when Clarity seems far in the distance:  Jesus.  I cannot say it any clearer than that.  This isn’t because of some ministry I am apart of or some church I attend; it is because I have experience!  When I simply acknowledge and say His precious name:  instant clarity.

So, if you find yourself in the midst of discomfort, I invite you to ask yourself what your present pain is about.  What are you afraid to confront? Then call on the name of Jesus to get clarity.

You will emerge on the other side with a more expanded presence, because clarity and emotional discomfort are incompatible.  Jesus knows of your situation and He has already shed the blood to heal!

Emotional Clarity Quiz

This list is not meant to assume that you are under this oppression continually or even daily.  I tried to compile a list of everything I could think of that has at one time or another, held me back!
___ Do people manipulate you through guilt, intimidation, or fear to get what they want?
___ Do you find maintaining closeness in relationship difficult?
___ Do you compare yourself to others, thinking that you’ll never measure up?
___ Do you find that it is easier to withhold information than it is to tell the whole truth?
___ Have you ever been divorced?
___ Have you ever felt concerned about the amount of stress in your life?
___ Are you currently facing a health challenge?
___ Do you sometimes feel lost and alone?
___ Have you ever felt something is missing in your life?
___ Have you ever been forced to change careers?
___ Have you ever found that you rarely have time to take care of your own needs?
___ Have you ever been apprehensive about your financial security?
___ Is your job a “war zone” where people fear for their job security and battle for personal power?
___ Have you ever felt overwhelmed with life in general?
___ Have you ever felt frustrated because you or your partner are too busy to spend quality time together?
___ Do you cope with life instead of enjoying it?
___ Do you stuff your feelings to make peace with others?
___ Do you deny your emotions to stay in control of your actions?
___ Do you over or under eat to feel emotionally satisfied?
___ Do you find yourself in difficult relationships at home and at work?
___ Do you blame others for your bad moods?
___ Do you criticize and put yourself down?

If you have identified with any of the above Quiz items, like I have, then know that if you believe that these are just everyday tests of your faith….praise God!  You are growing!  You are gaining wisdom and understanding!  God plans to use you in His Kingdom!

Please leave me a comment….do you have some things you can add to the list?  Do have a particular scripture or quote that helps you get through?  I really want to share your experience with you.

=] Debra




This post first appeared on Crushed Violets: Tidbits Of Spirituality | Grace, please read the originial post: here

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Emotional Distress Quiz

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