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