How Do We Respond With Our Feelings?

I want you to know that your feelings are important to God. Your concern, your sadness, your confusion, your fear... whatever you are feeling today, those feelings are important to the Lord. He hears you. He loves you. He wants you to approach him with those feelings.

We see the greatest example of this from Jesus when he was in the Garden of Gethsemane. He shares with his friends how he is feeling then he tells them what he is going to do about it:

Matthew 26:36-46 (The Passion Translation)

36 Then Jesus led his disciples to an orchard called “The Oil Press.” He told them, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 He took Peter, Jacob, and John with him. However, an intense feeling of great sorrow plunged his soul into deep sorrow and agony. 38 And he said to them, “My heart is overwhelmed and crushed with grief. It feels as though I’m dying. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

I like how this version describes Jesus having an "intense feeling of great sorrow." So much so, that in Luke 22:44 we learn he sweats blood that falls to the ground as he prays to God the Father. That's how much he was feeling in that moment of prayer.

Listen, in this moment of our history we need to lean into God who is our Father. Sometimes it requires a pressing in because our emotions want to dictate how we live. As we press into God, we know he will turn this story around for his good because he is a good Father. We know he will show up because he is faithful. We know he is approachable and if we seek him out he will be found.

Today, pause and take every bit of feeling and approach God. He is waiting for you to come to him. His love is unconditional and calming. He is full of peace and hope. He is full of compassion and mercy. He is full of strength and grace.