Emotional Suffering

4-6-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Emotional Suffering


“Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:38-39

Jesus suffered emotionally and physically. Anguished, He welled up in His soul from betrayal, aloneness and the anticipation of a cruel death on a rugged cross. His righteous response was to cry out to His heavenly Father for relief—while trusting that His will be done. Do you find yourself in this tension of trust in God’s will? Are your emotions ravished by the pain of conflicting desires? It’s in our dark night of the soul that the Lord brings light.

Your emotions may be on the brink of brokenness from relationships that compete for your attention. You can’t please everyone all the time—your stomach is knotted up—you’re not sure what to do, you feel conflicted and confused. Maybe the loyalty of someone you thought valued your professional relationship has melted in the face of financial pressures. Aloneness has diluted your confidence in your ability to understand what God wants.

It’s during these times of emotional upheaval that we need to jettison feeling sorry for ourselves and determine not to give up on God and His game plan. Some people you thought would be there for you will wander away—but others you did not expect to show up—will come forward with faith in you and hope in heaven. So wait—worry will pass.

“Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed” (Psalm 57:1)

Be wise and avoid making life-altering decisions during times of extended emotional experiences. If you vow to get someone back with your passive defiance—it will eat away at the joy in your heart. If anger is driving your decision to fire someone at work or to file for divorce, then wait and let the Holy Spirit stabilize your stress and strengthen your faith.

Above all, seek the comfort of Christ during intense conflict and confusion. His warm embrace soothes your bruised feelings and heals your broken heart. Seek out friends whose acceptance, accountability and prayers prove to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Alone you will simmer in sinful attitudes, but with God and godly company you will discover and follow His will. Emotional suffering is healed by heaven’s hope.

“Faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven” (Colossians 1:5a).

What decision do I need to wait on until the Holy Spirit stabilizes my emotions?

Related Readings: 2 Samuel 22:23; Psalm 9:9; Nahum 1:7; Acts 28:27