Friday, October 7, 2022
It Is Well With My Soul – Mixed Emotions
October 7, 2022/in Bible Study, Week 4
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We have reached the end of another powerful series—a series about emotional health. Being a full-fledged senior citizen does not prevent me from recognizing that emotional well-being is of great importance, both inside and outside the walls of the local church.
I rejoice that CedarCreek Church presents topics that are instrumental to growing spiritual maturity. It is a sad day when Jesus-followers never advance past wearing spiritual diapers! Some may find that statement outrageous. If so, it could be you have not encountered Jesus-followers who have refused to grow up emotionally.
Take me, for instance. One would think someone my age would never be so petty as to whine and complain about someone or something for more than a few minutes. The truth is, it wasn’t that long ago that I could whine and complain with the best of them, and whether the topic was any of my business didn’t play into it at all. (Please note: There is no bragging going on here, simply brutal honesty.)
Frankly, this subject of Mixed Emotions is not for sissies! It takes courage and fortitude to purposefully step into a thorough self-examination of one’s emotions, or lack thereof. In the rear-view mirror of my mind’s eye, I clearly recall recognizing God was going about the business of restoring my soul in late 1986. Without realizing it, he was gently and lovingly restoring my soul and leading me. The magnitude of Psalm 23:3 (NKJV) registered deep within me that day.
Psalm 23:3 NKJV
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.
That Bible verse put to memory years earlier had come full circle, putting itself on display. Were it not for abused or damaged souls, there would be no need for God to restore them. Spoiler alert—we must choose to participate in the restorative process—there is no magic wand! Were God to offer instant restoration, the learning of important life lessons would not happen.
Spiritual growth and emotional awareness continue as I allow him near this broken soul. Not seeking professional counsel for my “soul holes” has drug this process on longer than necessary. Clearly, CedarCreek is on a mission to offer the tools and understanding to face the very things often inhibiting spiritual growth! The mission of a healthy church includes making known there are struggles in life that are best managed with professional counsel and proper spiritual application of Biblical truths.
Truths such as Romans 8:38-39 offer reminders of how outrageously great his love is for us. God is the only perfect parent. He alone has the power to recycle everything into good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)!
Romans 8:38-39
38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Questions:
Which of your emotions catch you by surprise? Have you identified the cause/event associated with those emotions? Have you sought Biblical counsel in understanding how to best resolve/settle emotions that occasionally run amok? Have you taken steps to ensure there is no medical condition contributing to the emotional upheavals you experience?
Next Steps:
Learn to better identify your emotions by referencing the Feelings Wheel. Refer to this tool whenever naming your emotional response is difficult. It’s helpful to name the problem associated with the strong emotion(s). Choose to feel the feeling. (To attempt to deny the feeling is foolish.) Invite a trusted friend into the conversation to help process and heal from the event.
Prayer:
Father, your acceptance of me in my brokenness is beyond comprehension. Empower me to identify the cause(s) of emotional upheavals within me. Give me grace and mercy for those struggling with emotional brokenness. Help me be patient with others and myself as I untangle hurtful events/memories. Remind me regularly, hurting people hurt people. Set me free from being easily offended. Give me courage to speak up when offenses need addressing. Empower me to forgive quickly, allowing no root of resentment and bitterness to take hold. May the light of Jesus shine through me—in word and deed. Thank you for your never-ending generosity. In Jesus’ name, amen.