Waves of Emotions

The Waves of Emotions

Have you ever thrown a pebble out and watched the ripple effect or sit on a beach and watch the waves come in. Our emotions are a lot like the waves or ripples in the water. Something happens that makes us excited, and we ride that wave of excitement for however long it lasts. Then we get knocked off our feet by heartbreaking news or start feeling down about something and end up feeling like we are drowning and can’t make our way back to the top.

If we are not careful, we can let our emotions dictate how we feel about our relationship with God and how He sees us. 

Our relationship with Jesus doesn’t depend on our emotions. We cannot let them affect how we feel about our salvation. Sure, it is easy to start doubting and wondering how He could love us after all that we have done. However, scripture is based on facts and not emotions. We must train our brains to focus on God’s unconditional love. Remember, it was while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). 

When we start feeling down about ourselves, we often start the “negative-self talk.”  

• “You are a nobody; no one loves you.” 
• “I can’t even do this right; how could I do that for God?”
• “If people knew my past, they wouldn’t read or listen to anything I say.”
• “You just need to give up.”

My friend, can I tell you something? Those are lies Satan wants you to believe to stop you from living your life for Jesus and accomplishing the goals He has for you. 

Here is a strategy to use when those lies start.  Turn to the Word of God and claim the promises that He has given us. 

1 – John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus became human, lived, and walked on this earth so that He could die for our sins. That in itself tells us that we are loved, and He cares for us. 

2 – Look at all the people in the Bible that God used to do His work. He didn’t call the equipped; he equipped the called. 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” This is an important verse to look at; we do not need to look at others and compare gifts. God will use each of us to advance His kingdom if we put our faith in Him and trust Him to guide our ministry. 

3- Look at Paul’s past. He was on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians when he met God. Your past is a testimony to show others God’s grace is sufficient for them also. 

4 – When you feel like giving up, remember that our hope is in God, and he will help us through the trials and emotions that we face. We are to rely on His strength and not our own. Here are three verses that I hold close in times when I feel overwhelmed. 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:14

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 

Remember, just like we can’t control how fast the waves come in or the ripples in the water, we can’t know what emotions we will feel each day. However, we need to remember no matter how we feel, God’s love is constant, and so is our salvation.

Our salvation is based on the unwavering truth that Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, then rose on the third day, and is now sitting on the right hand of God interceding for us. If we believe that, accept that we are sinners, and ask Him into our hearts, our salvation is secure. 

Dear God, I pray that you will help the ones tonight experiencing a tidal wave of emotions. These are times when life feels so out of control for so many. Lord, thank you for being our anchor during the storm and always loving us. Surround us with your love and peace tonight so that we can rest in the fact that you are in control. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen.