Emotions and Faith
Jan 9, 2017 1:02:28 GMT
Post by luke2231 on Jan 9, 2017 1:02:28 GMT
Me being me, I cry at the drop of a hat. At the national anthem or any Hallmark commercial, so it's no surprise that when we're worshiping in church every Sunday morning, I start crying. My mind battles between thoughts of my ES and the faith that God not only can but He will. I feel very conscious of getting weepy every single time, but I just can't seem to help it. And I think that, to a degree, I've started mixing up my faith with my emotions. Or vice versa.
If that doesn't make sense, which, rereading it, it doesn't seem to, I mean that if I feel down and doubtful about having any relationship ever with my son, I tend to also think that God isn't doing anything about my heartache. Or working on my son's heart.
If I start feeling hopeful, in my head, I'm imagining that God's knitting all the elements of reconciliation together. I have faith that He's working on my behalf (and my son's) and I feel joyful.
But then the pendulum swings the other way, and my emotions plummet again. Do any of you feel that way?
Today, I was pondering this in church when the service was about new beginnings and starting over (how apropos for a new year service, huh?). I honestly don't know how on earth I could start over with my son. With no contact, I have no opportunities to right wrongs, or speak my peace, or whatever. All this was on my heart when I read a blog post today that was very powerful, but as I was reading through some of the comments at the end, I was struck by one of them more so than the post. I thought I would share it with you...
I never realized how much my faith is papered over by my emotions. I think I've been confusing the two. I know Jesus felt emotions, but it's comforting to know that while I'm allowed to feel "all the feels" what and how God works things out, my emotions have absolutely nothing to do with it!
If that doesn't make sense, which, rereading it, it doesn't seem to, I mean that if I feel down and doubtful about having any relationship ever with my son, I tend to also think that God isn't doing anything about my heartache. Or working on my son's heart.
If I start feeling hopeful, in my head, I'm imagining that God's knitting all the elements of reconciliation together. I have faith that He's working on my behalf (and my son's) and I feel joyful.
But then the pendulum swings the other way, and my emotions plummet again. Do any of you feel that way?
Today, I was pondering this in church when the service was about new beginnings and starting over (how apropos for a new year service, huh?). I honestly don't know how on earth I could start over with my son. With no contact, I have no opportunities to right wrongs, or speak my peace, or whatever. All this was on my heart when I read a blog post today that was very powerful, but as I was reading through some of the comments at the end, I was struck by one of them more so than the post. I thought I would share it with you...
"The thing is, emotions and faith are NOT the same thing. When I find myself in really challenging situations that stretch me to my limit, I find myself anxious and doubting, wanting to know, control, and secure my future, and I start to question, “Where is my faith?!!! If only I had faith the size of a mustard seed, I wouldn’t feel this way!” Then, my priest explained to me that faith is KNOWING God is present, taking care of everything, working goodness for my ultimate salvation, and trusting in his mercy. “Feeling has nothing to do with it,” he said. I can’t tell you how liberating that was to hear! The emotions are normal and ok, and Jesus understands because he experienced them, too!
When we get to heaven, I think we will be rendered speechless when we realize just how much our Lord did carry us. I am sure that he is carrying you now, as He has carried you in the past, and He will never let you go. Even if we forget Him and turn away, He will never forget us."
When we get to heaven, I think we will be rendered speechless when we realize just how much our Lord did carry us. I am sure that he is carrying you now, as He has carried you in the past, and He will never let you go. Even if we forget Him and turn away, He will never forget us."
