Thankfulness For Emotions
They are a sign of life.
I’m not normally a particularly emotional guy.
This doesn’t mean I don’t feel things.
It means I don’t express feelings easily.
In fact I prefer not to express them in their rawest forms as much as possible.
Things that are difficult and can cause problems are generally not appreciated.
We don’t want problems.
We want tranquility and serenity.
These are fine objectives, but they don’t come by the elimination of emotions, they come when our emotions are functioning appropriately.
I don’t want to do away with anger or any other negative emotions — at least my awareness of them — even lust and envy — because they are warning signs something is going on in me that needs attention.
I don’t want sin in my life but this does not mean it is best to ignore sin when it surfaces pretending it isn’t real or of little importance.
So on my gratitude list I will place my emotions — to include all the uncomfortable ones along those that make me feel good.
I am thankful that I have people, and especially God, who I can talk to without alienating them (this isn’t everyone, I have to be discerning and selective) and who can help me process whatever it is I am going through.
I can find ways, sometimes slowly, to process them, meaning think through them, so I can continue to move toward wholeness — that state where I am the same person no matter the circumstances, with functioning spiritual eyes to see and ears to hear.
Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
You have given me relief when I was in distress.
Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.
There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”
You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.
In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.