Emotions often get a bad rap. Yet, Scripture is clear, in both OT and NT, that our God has emotions. Genesis 6:6 speak of God’s heart being “deeply troubled,” and Exodus 34:14 proclaims that the LORD is a “jealous God.” The NT reveals that “Jesus wept,” at the tomb of Lazarus and that it is possible for us “grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” [John 11:35, Ephesians 4:30]
Emotions are not the problem … the problem resides in what we do with our emotions.
Too often we allow our emotions to lead us. Our soul is defined as our mind, will, and emotions – and they should remain in that order. Instead, we live in the opposite order … our emotions lead our mind and will instead of following. We spend too much time listening to them when we should be speaking truth to them.
In speaking truth to them we do not deny that they are real. But no matter how strong our emotions are, they are not to become our identity. We take our identify from what God has proclaimed – we live in His promises.
I am a child of God! I may experience anxiety, frustration, grief, anger – all types of emotions – but nothing changes the fact that I am NOW and will REMAIN a Child of God. I live in His security, His provision, His strength, His truth. Amen&Amen
PS: I wrote this to myself after experiencing a week where frustration, impatience, and discouragement reigned!