Hello dear friend.
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt one way but acted another way? Have you experienced times when your feelings didn’t line up with your actions? I’ve experienced this myself, and it’s very difficult.
Many of us have been taught that we should always act like Jesus, even when we don’t feel like it. We’re to “grin and bear it,” because that’s just what good Christians do, right? In fact, many of us have lived like this for so long that we honestly don’t even know what we feel anymore or why we feel it.
Please know that I’m not saying these things to be judgmental. It’s just that so many people struggle to live a life that is in harmony with their faith.
But the truth is that we are human beings created in God’s image. We are spiritual, physical, intellectual, social, and emotional. And when we ignore or deny some—or all—aspects of who we are, we will inevitably suffer:
- If we fail to feed and nurture our spirit, we will be spiritually weak.
- If we fail to take care of our bodies, we will suffer ill health.
- If we fail to challenge our minds, we will miss out on things God wanted us to learn.
- If we fail to develop close friendships, we will be lonely.
- If we fail to grow up emotionally, we will remain emotionally immature.
Some people believe that feelings, especially the ones that are considered “bad,” should simply be ignored. They think that if we just pray, read Scripture, and fast more, we will surely get over our issues.
While these spiritual disciplines are definitely important in our walk of faith, I’ve discovered that we also must pay attention to our negative feelings. Struggles with emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, jealousy, or depression are actually opportunities to become emotionally mature and grow closer to the Lord.
Role Models
The family we were born into was by far the most powerful and impacting role model for how we live as adults. When we were young, we regularly witnessed a particular way of living, and we absorbed this mindset through constant repetition. We were taught good and bad ways of thinking or feeling, as well as healthy and unhealthy ways of interacting.
It made a big difference whether our parents were judgmental, unkind, fearful, and mistrusting, or if they were accepting, kind, courageous, and trusting. These patterns became a part of our emotional DNA, which we unconsciously act out as adults. When our emotions, attitudes, and relationships fail to align with Scripture and the heart of Jesus, we can be sure that a negative underlying pattern needs to be revealed and faced head on.
Often Christians forget that Jesus, our ultimate Role Model, was very emotional at times. “Jesus wept” at his friend’s gravesite (John 11:35). He lived freely, yet never sinned. Although He was God, He also was human. He never pretended or play-acted. Instead, He always was honest, authentic, and real.
It’s possible for you and me to live this way. The Lord wants this for us! His desire is for us to grow and develop in all areas of our life: spiritually, physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. He desires for us to be a lovely reflection of Himself to others. Like Jesus, our life can be real and authentic, but first we must examine our heart and be painfully honest with ourselves.
Are you struggling today with unhealthy thought patterns, toxic relationships, or negative emotions? If so, it’s important not to just ignore them or stuff them down.
Blessings Await!
I love the Scripture verse where the Lord tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). I urge you to take your Bible, a journal, and a pen, and go somewhere quiet where you can still your body, soul, and mind.
Ask God to help you understand where the root of your struggle lies. Ask Him to help you compare your attitudes and emotions with His Word. Invite His presence, power, and peace to come into every area of your life and heart…especially any hidden areas or blind spots. Please also consider confiding in a trusted friend, and pray together for God’s wisdom (James 1:5).
Keep in mind, too, that if you feel emotionally “stuck,” you may need to seek out someone who has been professionally trained to help you work through your difficult issues.
Don’t be discouraged if your inner healing doesn’t come all at once. God may take you through a process of emotional, spiritual, and relational healing from your past.
I’ve found in my own life that sometimes I have to walk through the desert to get to my promised land. The journey may be painful, but the end result is always great freedom!
The wonderful thing is that the Lord will be right by your side, prompting, guiding, and loving you. You are not reading this article by accident. The Lord has a new season of blessings waiting for you!
I love you and am praying for you, dear friend.
Your friend on the journey,
P.S. If you need prayer, please know that you can always contact our Inspiration Prayer Center, and one of our anointed prayer ministers will be happy to pray with you.
We are here for YOU!
Barbara Cerullo is devoted to authentically sharing God’s love with women. She authors From Barbara’s Heart, where her spiritual insights, heartwarming family stories, and delightful anecdotes encourage readers with God’s faithfulness. Her husband, David, is CEO of Inspiration Ministries.
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