1998-03-08 - Our Emotions

Sometimes we have the idea that "good Christians" don't have strong emotions; they don't feel deep emotional pain or should act restrained. Or that we should "keep a stiff upper lip" when we hurt. But these beliefs aren't Biblically-sound. God created our emotions. The word of God has a good number of examples of God's servants who expressed their deepest emotions, both to God and to their friends. Let's take a look at some of what the Bible has to say about our emotions.

(Est 8:16 NIV) "For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor."

(Psa 33:3 NIV) "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy."

(Luke 10:21 NIV) "At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

(John 15:11 NIV) "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

(1 Sam 1:16-17 NIV) "Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief." ¹⁷ Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.""

(Job 6:2-3 NIV) ""If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales! ³ It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas-- no wonder my words have been impetuous."

(Mat 26:21-22 NIV) "And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me." ²² They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?""

(Psa 25:17-18 NIV) "The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. ¹⁸ Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins."

(Psa 118:5-6 NIV) "In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. ⁶ The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

(Luke 22:43-44 NIV) "An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. ⁴⁴ And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."

(Rom 9:2-3 NIV) "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race,"

(Rom 12:15 NIV) "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."

Jan