It can be overwhelming when challenging thoughts and feelings prevail in life. At one time or another, we all have feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, shame or fear which appear uncontrollable. They are usually unsolicited and make us feel paralyzed, confused or sometimes despairing. However, you should keep in mind: hard thoughts and feelings do not make you a weak person--they make you a human being. And better still you are not alone God assures you of walking through all the valleys. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalm 34:18).
We are programmed to be defensive and sometimes this involves repeating painful stories or magnifying fears with the hope of keeping us safe. Regrettably, this may lead us to the loops of worry or depressing ourselves. Rather than struggle or self-accuse, God wants you to take these burdens to Him. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7). Stopping to breathe, pray, and label your feelings with God will help you create a space between you and the intensity of the thought or emotion, and will therefore allow Gods peace to protect your heart.
Hard thoughts and feelings do not make you a weak person—they make you a human being.
Even the hard feelings are not meaningless. Anger could be an indication of injustice, sadness could be an indication of loss and fear could remind us of the fact that we need protection. But still, we are not alone as believers to deal with such feelings. The Holy Spirit reassures us, leads us and empowers us. The answer is God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1). Sufferings are painful but also can lead us to God as they can teach us to trust Him more deeply.
It is also important to keep in mind that emotions are short-lived. The wave of sorrow or anger will just go by in the same manner the storms do. In Scripture For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5). You can also carry the load by reaching out to a trusted pastor, Christian counselor or prayer partner. Even little things, such as praying with Scripture, writing down your thankfulness, or even just going outside and gazing upon the work of God, can help you remember that He is present.
Through patience, faith and help of the Word of God and His people it is possible to turn the hard emotions into your teachers, which will lead you to even greater reliance on Christ.
Most important of all, learn to give yourself the freedom to feel and take that feeling to God. You do not need to keep fixing all of your thoughts and feelings instantly. Jesus himself went through sorrows and grief and even anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane. He knows what you are going through. Through patience, faith and help of the Word of God and his people it is possible to turn the hard emotions into your teachers, which will lead you to even greater reliance on Christ. Keep in mind: your emotions are important to God and learning to cognize them with His light is an effective step towards peace and strength back to Him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28).
