ManageYourEmotionsBook8.5x5.5_RevJULY.indd

spiritual in nature, but physical as well. “When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away. My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer” (32:3,4). As has already been noted with other emotional battles, “Medical evidence now shows that guilt causes higher stress, hyper- tension, gastritis, and headaches. Guilt has even been shown to be a contributing factor in heart attacks and strokes.” 86 Warren Knight was one of the sharpest businessmen I ever knew.As a result of creative marketing and hard work, he trans- formed a small, local shop into a flourishing business that spread to large cities and numerous states. He appeared to have the model family as well--a lovely wife and three adorable children. He even taught Sunday school.Tragically, marital infidelity and financial impropriety got the best of him and it all came tumbling down. Running intoWarren at a local restaurant, having not seen him for several years, I was stunned. He looked gaunt, a shell of his former self. It wasn’t long before word of his death came. I firmly believe David was headed down a similar path of destruction when the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to confront the king with his evil actions (see 2 Samuel 12:9). Challenged and chas- tised, David chose to confront rather than concealing his guilt. If you find yourself hindered by the heavy hand of the Lord, then, like David, be willing to do something about it. Observe these critical steps he took to receive forgiveness. Submission - The first step in the restoration process is yielding to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit.This is hard, es- pecially for men. Our stubbornness and pride often block the work God wants to do.Yet, David not only took this first step, he provided a challenge to his readers by way of a simple illustration: “Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check” (32:9). Initi- ate the recovery process by “letting go and letting God.” Admission – Taking this step means we clearly acknowledge

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