“But unfortunately, we can’t live . . . in a glorious and perpetual state of serenity and tranquility.”- Judah Smith
In Chapter 3 (“Surprised by My Soul”) of How’s Your Soul?, Judah Smith notes that, more often than we’d care to admit, our souls go through emotional upheavals. Furthermore, we find it confusing- shocking- disconcerting.
Hence, your soul surprises you. You feel terrible that your raw emotions strongly affect and control you. As a result, you lose perspective. Yet, Judah points out, the question isn’t so much what triggered your emotional spiral, but what to do about it now.
So, what do you do when:
- your emotions get so out of alignment, you can’t see straight?
- your thoughts betray, accuse, and confuse you?
- the world around you and the world within you are equally devoid of hope and happiness?
- your soul hurts?
Pastor Smith suggests reading the book of Psalms, because emotions definitely play a role in this book. Consequently, Judah specifically references Psalms 42 and 43. In these psalms, the psalmist repeatedly climbs out of the depths of despondency. But when he does, he loses his footing and falls back in the pit.
In the span of sixteen verses, the psalmist asks nearly a dozen questions. Similarly, when we’re discouraged, we ask a lot of questions- particularly the unanswerable when and why questions. Yet, Judah cautions, that’s the worst time to try to answer those questions. Ask them, but never attempt to answer them.
Furthermore, refrain from making conclusions about God’s reality, goodness, or presence in the midst of an emotional breakdown. As Pastor Smith summarizes, “in the journey of life, emotions make great companions but terrible leaders.”
Today’s question: How fervently do you desire a glorious and perpetual state of serenity? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God- the master architect”
