Emotions

People who know me often say that I don’t appear to be an emotional person. I suppose that observation comes from the way I tend to carry myself, measured and steady. Over the years, I have learned how to keep moving forward through responsibility, ministry, and family obligations without always showing what is happening internally. But the truth is, I feel deeply. Joy moves my heart. Compassion stirs my spirit. Disappointment can weigh on me longer than I sometimes admit. And like many women who carry many roles—mother, grandmother, leader, friend, servant; I have learned to hold my emotions quietly while continuing to do what needs to be done. For a long time, I viewed feeling deeply as a weakness. As I studied The Word, I learned something liberating: emotions are not accidents—they are part of being created in the image of God.

Humanity was made in God’s likeness (Genesis 1:26). That means the ability to experience emotion; joy, grief, compassion, anger, love is woven into our design by the Creator Himself. Our emotions are not the problem. The question is how we allow them to be shaped by the Spirit of God. I am fascinated about God’s response to evil, He laughs at it because, He knows it will never win (Psalm 2:4, Psalm 37:12–13). The enemy tries to intimidate us with threats, uncertainty, and fear, but none of this unsettles God. The schemes that make us anxious do not make Him nervous. God can laugh because He already knows the ending. That truth reminds us that we do not have to live in fear. The plans of the enemy never override the purposes of God.

It may feel uncomfortable to say that God hates anything, but Scripture is clear, there are things that detests (Proverbs 6:16–19).  God’s hatred is not the kind of hatred humans often carry—rooted in revenge or wounded pride. God hates what destroys the harmony and righteousness He desires for His people. Because God loves us, He warns us to stay far away from the things that damage our souls and our relationships.

I believe that the one emotion that defines the heart of God is love (John 3:16). God absolutely loves you and me, without hesitation or reservation. God’s love is not limited or conditional. It extends to believers and unbelievers alike. Jeremiah reminds us that the love of God is everlasting and draws us closer to Him (Jeremiah 31:3). Everything God does flows from love including His discipline, His guidance, His mercy, and His salvation.

God also experiences joy (Psalm 104:31). Throughout Genesis 1, we repeatedly read the phrase: “And God saw that it was good.” God delighted in His creation. And here is the beautiful truth: you and I are part of His works. You and I are good because God says we are. You and I are enough because God made us and delights in us. You and I, my sister bring God joy. Therefore, we ought always as The Word  encourages us to (Psalm 104:31). Our joy ultimately flows from the God who created joy itself.

The heart of Jesus consistently revealed God’s compassion. Compassion in Scripture is never passive (Matthew 14:14). Jesus was and is moved by compassion. It is compassion that moves people to action. Willingness to act ought to be a characteristic of every Believer. You and must have action oriented, active faith (James 2:26). When our hearts are stirred by compassion, God invites us to become instruments of His care for others.

Because we are made in God’s image, we experience emotions. But unlike God’s emotions, ours can sometimes be influenced by fear, insecurity, and misunderstanding. The enemy often tries to trap us in emotional lies; convincing us that we are unloved, unwanted, unworthy, or alone. But the Word of God anchors us in truth. We can give thanks to God for His goodness and mercy while being courageous knowing that God will never leave us(Psalm 136:1, Deuteronomy 31:6). You and I just need to remember that even when our feelings fluctuate, God’s truth remains steady.

Feeling something is not sinful. But we must be careful not to allow emotions to control our actions (Ephesians 4:26). Our feelings may arise unexpectedly, but we can choose to bring them before God rather than allowing them to take over. The world often encourages us to numb uncomfortable emotions with distraction. But The Word reminds us that the Lord “leads me beside the still waters” (Psalm 23:2). Peace is not found in distraction; it is found in God’s presence.

When loneliness creeps in, we must remember that Jesus promised to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). When worry keeps us awake at night, we must remember that The Father is the supplier of every one of our needs (Philippians 4:19). When fear tries to overwhelm us, we must remember that Jesus is our peace (John 14:27). When anxiety begins to grow, we must remember to tell God what we need (Philippians 4:6). God invites us to bring every emotion to Him. By His grace, we can live the truth of 2 Corinthians 10:5 Whatever season you find yourself in; a season of joy or difficulty, remember this truth: The One who created you knows you completely. He understands your tears. He understands your fears. He understands your hopes. And He is able to do more than you can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). So whatever you are facing today…however you are feeling…Remember this simple truth: The God Who created you knows exactly who you are, where you are and what you need.

Join me Under The Church Hat for this month’s devotion:

In less than 250 words, describe how the words of Psalm 2:4 help you face fear or uncertainty.

Proverbs 6:16–19 lists things God hates. List which of these attitudes or behaviors that the Holy Spirit prompting you to avoid or correct.

Matthew 14:14 shows Jesus being moved with compassion. Intentionally act compassionately toward someone this week.

In less than 250 words, describe the practical step you will take this week to bring your emotions before God instead of allowing them to control your responses.

Choose a passage from this devotion to mediate upon throughout this month.