“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grade to help us in our time of need.” -Hebrews 4: 16
As Charles Stanley begins Chapter 2 (“What’s Going On Here?”) of Emotions, he reiterates God’s purpose in giving us feelings: ” . . . the Father formed us with the ability to experience emotions so we could enjoy life, interact meaningfully with others, and mirror His likeness.” Yet when adversity strikes, it’s not our circumstances that devastate us. In general. Dr. Stanley states, it’s the memories and sentiments stirred up by those circumstances that dishearten us.
The author adds that while our faith and trust in God’s promises gives us confidence that the Father ultimately will supply all our needs, our emotions undermine that sense of security. Because we doubt ourselves and our circumstances, we focus on instances when our hopes were dashed rather than all the times God has kept His word and proven Himself faithful. Our emotions keep us from trusting God and His perfect plan for our lives.
Dr. Stanley asserts how important it is for us to understand the reasons God gave us our feeling and to live within the healthy boundaries He’s established for them.
Today’s question: What emotions triggered by your ministry downsizing or vocation loss erode your confidence in God’s provision? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Why God gave us emotions- Part 1”
