Welcome to
Zion Bread of Life Christian Church

Sunday, 17th November

Pastor Kathy Poon

Genesis 3:17-18, “Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, And you shall eat the herb of the field.“

In Genesis 3:17-18, we read about the curse of the ground after Adam’s disobedience. Along with physical toil, this curse brought “thorns and thistles”—a vivid metaphor for the emotional and relational hardships we encounter today. These thorns manifest in the pain of broken relationships, unresolved wounds, and negative emotions like fear, anger, or sadness. How do we navigate these emotional struggles in a world still marked by the curse?

The Powers of Emotional Thorns

1. Interpersonal Thorns:
   Words, expressions, and attitudes from others can wound deeply, provoking reactions and fostering cycles of pain.
2. Family and Self-inflicted Wounds:
   The authority of loved ones can both nurture and harm, creating lasting scars that shape our emotions and self-perception.
3. Bondage to Sin:
   Sin holds a binding power, keeping us entangled in negative patterns and emotions.
4. Environmental Pressures:
   Society, workplace dynamics, and cultural expectations often exacerbate emotional struggles.
5. Personal Misconceptions:
   Prejudices and false beliefs can distort how we perceive ourselves and others, deepening emotional pain.
6. Past Wounds:
   Lingering pain from past experiences fuels harmful emotions like bitterness, anger, and insecurity.

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 17:22, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” Emotional stress triggers physiological responses that weaken our bodies, reduce immunity, and open the door to illnesses. Chronic stress, fear, or depression can lead to conditions like anxiety disorders, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer.

Many respond to emotional pain with avoidance or temporary fixes, such as ignoring, suppressing, rationalizing, or retaliating. These strategies often lead to a “balloon effect,” where pent-up emotions erupt unpredictably, causing harm to ourselves and our relationships.

The Psalms offer a model for emotional release:

• Cry Out to God (Psalm 77:1-3): Pour your heart out honestly. God hears and cares.
• Acknowledge Negative Emotions (Psalm 77:4-6): Identify and name the feelings troubling you.
• Admit Weakness and Meditate on God’s Works (Psalm 77:7-10): Replace harmful emotions with the truth of God’s faithfulness and love.

The Bible teaches us to renounce harmful emotions and replace them with God’s truth. Below are some examples:

1. Jealousy:
   • Renounce: “I see you, jealousy. I refuse to partner with you in Jesus’ name.”
   • Replace: “Father, forgive me for partnering with jealousy. Fill me with humility and acceptance.”
2. Anxiety:
   • Renounce: “I reject fear and anxiety in Jesus’ name.”
   • Replace: “Lord, forgive me for letting fear take root. Fill me with Your peace.”
3. Hopelessness:
   • Renounce: “Hopelessness, I will not partner with you.”
   • Replace: “Lord, I invite Your hope and faith to fill me.”
4. Anger:
   • Renounce: “Anger, you have no place in my life. I send you away in Jesus’ name.”
   • Replace: “Father, release Your love, patience, and self-control in my heart.”

Isaiah 10:27 reminds us of the anointing that breaks every yoke of bondage. Through the power of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:19), we can overcome the thorns that entangle our hearts and walk in the fullness of God’s peace, joy, and freedom.

As we surrender our burdens to God, He transforms our emotional pain into opportunities for healing and growth. May we all embrace His invitation to find rest and renewal in His presence.