In Chapter 1 of Emotions, Dr. Stanley states that one reason he talks about salvation at the beginning of this book is because our saving faith provides a model for the kind of trust we’ll need in God for true healing to take place. Our reality is that we don’t know how to deal with issues that are buried deep within our souls. But God knows us perfectly and fully understands our negative reactions.
Dr. Stanley adds that our injured emotions are so devastating because they foster a sense of isolation. We may even feel we’re being punished or that no one else has ever felt the way we do. Objectively we know it’s universally true that everyone faces hard times, disappointments, and some degree of emotional pain in life. But when that reality hits us in the face, becomes personal, we may seek to avoid/numb our pain or opt for a quick fix. At such times the psalms of David offer inspiration and encouragement. His psalms comfort the hurting because David understood firsthand the pain we all feel at one time or another.
Certainly we are not alone in our feelings. God will take our hand and lead us.
Today’s question: What have you found to be most effective in dealing with your sense of isolation? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: new addition to the Annotated Bibliography- You’ll Get Through This by Max Lucado
