May 3, 2008
Time and time again we hear the way things affect people, from the birth of a child, weddings, deaths or just destructive words spoken. We seem to give meaning of incredible importance to our feelings and emotions. Are feelings and emotions real? Of course they are, especially to whoever is experiencing them. Do feelings and emotions lie? You better believe they do. Is everything black and white? Most definitely all things from a spiritual view are black and white. You are either with God or with the devil. Unfortunately, many times we want to be in the middle. “But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth!” Rev 3:16
We must keep things in perspective be happy, joyful, mad and sad. We must learn to deal with our emotions and feelings. Specifically, when they produce discord and prolonged pain, which should be only for a season and we determine the length of our season. For some, the season becomes a lifetime and therefore they become emotionally handicapped. We must gauge all things by God’s Word. What emotions or feelings did Abraham experience when told by God to kill his son? We seem to not realize that all emotions ever felt by man were felt by Christ. His character displayed obedience beyond emotional circumstances. So the proof is in the performance. We must show compassion and empathy for others when appropriate. But in today’s culture of psychotherapy, justifing behavior and self indulgence we seem to think it is about our feelings. “God wants me to be happy!” is the statement of choice for those seeking divorce or any other fleshly desires. But God said; “Seek your happiness in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desire.” Psalms 37:4
So if you feel depressed, hurt, falsely accused, pain, betrayal, humiliation, abandoned, rejected and misunderstood then realize that Christ did also. He conquered all those emotions and feelings in obedience to His father in heaven and for our salvation.