Creating a Better NormalSample

Feelings and Faith 

When negative thoughts and feelings come up, most of us push them to the side and move on. But what if creating a better normal is not ignoring our emotions but discovering what lessons they might be teaching us? What if it’s time for us to stop covering up our feelings and start presenting them to God—raw and all? 

Jesus is no stranger to emotions. During His time on earth, He experienced every emotion we do. We don’t have to censor our thoughts or water down our feelings when we talk with God. In fact, when we’re honest about our feelings, we often increase our faith. 

Jesus cares deeply about the things we care about. He carries our burdens, and we’re told that we can tell Him what we’re worried about because He cares about us. 

A particularly powerful story that illustrates the power of processing our emotions is when Jesus resurrects Lazarus. Jesus cares deeply for Lazarus, but He doesn’t heal him right away. On his way to visit his grieving family, Martha and Mary each talk with Jesus about their disappointment, their sadness, and their pain. Look at what happens after Mary is open and honest about her feelings: 

When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feel and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up in Him, and He was deeply troubled. … Then Jesus wept. John 11:32-33, 35 NLT 

Mary didn’t try to pull herself together before talking with Jesus. She came brokenhearted. She wept and wailed and told Jesus her honest thoughts—even though her thoughts were pretty bold and direct. Jesus didn’t criticize her for her honesty. He didn’t tell her to stop crying, to get over it, or to have more faith. Instead, He experienced emotions Himself. He even wept with her. 

Jesus went on to resurrect Lazarus. But what we can learn from their story is that no matter what the outcome is to our situation, we can trust Jesus to sit with us in the waiting.  

Let’s stop pretending we’re fine when we meet with our Father. Let’s stop ignoring our emotions and trying to fix our own problems. Instead, let’s mirror Mary. Let’s come before Jesus, knowing that He promises to be with us in our feelings. 

Pray: God, thank You for promising to be with me no matter how I’m feeling or what I’m facing. Jesus, I come to You today with all of my feelings. Reveal to me anything You’re trying to teach me through these emotions, and show me healthy ways to deal with them. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Challenge: Consider journaling about how you’ve been feeling the past week. What is something you’re thankful to God for? What is something you’re struggling with that you need to ask God about?