Emotions

Emotions are a very important part of life. They are a gift from God and have a very significant role. Our emotions are an outward expression of what is going on inside of us. We smile when something pleases us. We cry when something saddens us. We rejoice when unexpected gifts are given to us. We groan when we are in pain or if someone we love hurts. There is no internal feeling that does not have an external result. It is “external” things that we “internalize” that force our feelings – positive or negative. 

Take sporting events. When teams face one another in a contest, one will win, and the other will lose. If we select the winning team, our emotions will demonstrate feelings of joy and happiness, excitement, and ecstasy. We will stand and shout, lift our arms in victory and jump up and down. If we select the losing team, our emotions will demonstrate feelings of gloom and doom, discouragement and disgust. Unless one gambles on the outcome of the event, all we stand to lose is our pride for making the wrong choice. 

Rarely, however, do we see overt emotions expressed when God grants us His blessings. There were times when Christians wept with joy when a lost soul repented or shared their enthusiasm when a prayer request was answered or stood with arms reaching toward heaven for a miracle of healing. We have allowed a ritualistic “theology” to overcome the joy of “doxology” – giving thanks to God for His blessings. 

We need to heed the Psalmist: “Let those who trust and love You...be glad...sing for joy...and rejoice in You.” 

Prayer:  Awaken our emotions, Lord! Free us from being lukewarm, uninvolved, detached, and impassioned about Your grace. May we sing praises – openly and loudly – in Jesus’ Name! 

Scripture For Today: But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You. Psalm 5:11 

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