Wonderfully ComplexIhe Atụ

THE FIRST COMPLEX EMOTION CAPTURED IN THE BIBLE

The first complex emotion captured in Scripture was the emotion of shame. Shame is an identity-crippling emotion and is very different from guilt. Guilt says, “I made a mistake,” and shame says, “I AM a mistake.” This is because shame is based on the idea that there is something wrong with our identity - something wrong with who we are. This produces a fear that we are unlovable.

Our emotions are a direct by-product of what we believe about ourselves. If we doubt our worth and fear rejection because we believe we are “bad”, it will hinder our ability to process ourselves accurately. We see this in the story of Adam and Eve who used to walk and talk freely with God before the fall. However, shame entered their world immediately after eating the fruit, which changed how they heard God walking in the garden. Instead of running towards Him, they ran in the opposite direction because they feared not being accepted anymore because of shame. Note how negative, complex emotions tend to move us away from God.

When a person is racked with shame-type emotions, it often causes them to run, hide, and cover up. Psychology calls this behavior a defense mechanism. Theology calls this behavior a stronghold. A stronghold is any behavior we turn to to hold safety.

As you journey through this plan, I hope you discover that God is not afraid of nor surprised by our complex emotions. His first question to us as human beings whilst wrestling with a complex emotion was, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9. What we feel and wrestle with matters to him. This is encouraging. Adam and Eve had just made the biggest of all mess-ups. What they did still impacts every single one of us today, and God loved them through it.

His love even resulted in him making coverings for their shame. Adam and Eve witness the death of an innocent victim to cover up their shame – an act that points us to the ultimate covering provided by Christ. As you reflect on this good news, consider what truth God wants you to bring before your complex emotions to help you find your way back to Him.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS.

• What emotion do you struggle with the most?
• What fear lives behind that emotion?
• If Jesus stood before you, what truth would he speak to your fear?

PRAY:

Lord, I bring before you today my emotion of [……………………. ] I ask that you help me hold onto your truth. I come against the spirit of fear and pray you will fill me with your love and power and that you bless me with a sound mind guarded by your peace that passes all human understanding.