Not Ok Emotionally?Sample

Acknowledge Your Emotions

A campfire is a wonderful thing. A house fire is a terrible thing. What's the difference? Context.

When used in a positive way, fire provides warmth and comfort. When it gets out of control, it causes destruction.

Emotions are a lot like fire. They're neither good nor bad - they are neutral.

Feelings can draw us closer to God, others, and even our destinies when kept in proper context! However, if we let them run wild, we can get trapped in cycles of harmful decisions.

Though the shortest in the entire Bible, today's guiding verse has a lot to show us about emotions. John 11:35 tells us, “Jesus wept.” In this verse, we see Jesus grieving the death of His friend, Lazarus.

Jesus experienced deep emotions.

The night before He was crucified, we also see in Luke 22:44, “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Crucifixion was such a terrifying prospect that Jesus sweated literal blood!

However, the Bible shows us more than His sorrow. Jesus was so incredibly joyful that Hebrews 12:2 tells us that “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.”

Can you imagine joy like that? Even when faced with the cross, He knew immense joy waited just on the other side.

Jesus shows us our emotions should be indicators, not dictators.

They are like signal flares to what's going on inside of us. They show us our internal state but don't have to tell us what to do.

Jesus challenged His anguish and anxiety, choosing to make the decision He knew was right. His emotions were indicators, not dictators. Yours can be the same.

As you engage with God’s word:

● Are my emotions indicators or dictators?

● What is God saying to me?

● What do I need to do about it?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.