Do you feel like you have to hold your feelings inside? Your sadness, your fears, your anger, your frustration…you don’t need to hold it in. Showing emotion and letting others know what you are feeling is a healthy, God-honoring practice.
Have you been told not to cry? Do you feel like crying will somehow make you appear weak, pouty, or ungrateful in God’s eyes? Let go of all of that: there is nothing wrong with crying when you lose someone, something, or an opportunity you really wanted. King David, a man after God’s heart, wrote, “I flood my bed with weeping†(1 Samuel 13:14; Psalm 6:6). Jesus, the almighty God of the universe in human flesh, wept openly in front of others when He lost His friend Lazarus (John 11:35). There is nothing weak, pouty, or ungrateful about that.
In the same way, when you are angry, it’s completely acceptable to let others know, as long as you do it in a loving and respectful manner. Feeling angry isn’t sinful; it’s what you do with the anger (Ephesians 4:26). Often, anger is a sign that hurt has been done, so healing is needed. And healing doesn’t happen by holding in your emotions. Instead, use clear, loving communication about the things that have hurt you to build a stronger relationship. Pray for God’s guidance and wisdom as you seek reconciliation.
Remember: God sees you when you are upset. He hurts for you and is there for you. Instead of holding in your anger, hurt, fear, and grief, bring them to Him in prayer. He wants you to cry out to Him because He is the only One who can truly heal (Hebrews 4:14-16; 1 Peter 5:7).
Jesus also brings healing through His people, the church. When you are in pain, find a trusted Christian to confide in. They can talk you through what you are feeling and help you figure out the best way to move forward.
Holding everything inside can be harmful. Bring your pain and your tears to God and others, and remember that, someday, Jesus will wipe away every tear from His people’s eyes (Revelation 21:4). • Emily Acker
• Have you been told that showing emotion is weak? How does Jesus combat this idea?
• It’s important to engage with our emotions well but not to be ruled by them. What are some healthy ways you can work through your emotions with God and others?
Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? Psalm 56:8 (NIV)
Read Verses:
Haggai 1:14–2:9; John 2:18-22
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