Recently I heard about a faith-based book designed to help children manage their emotions. It has received many positive reviews, but others have taken issue with it. Why? Because it is faith-based. One negative reviewer commented that it was ludicrous to point kids to “some Spirit” to help them manage their emotions.
Dealing with our emotions is a life-long proposition, and clearly there are many different views on how it should be done. Some people opt for a therapist, which requires faith.
Faith? Yes, faith.
Faith that this stranger you are going to entrust with your struggles and secrets actually cares about you. Faith that they know what they are doing. Faith that they are who they present themselves to be, and not somebody whose own life lurks in the shadows, or is headed for a shipwreck. Of course, you also have to have faith in the process that it can actually be helpful. Unless you have faith in these things, you will likely never see a therapist.
The ”some Spirit” that the book-reviewer was talking about is God, and if we are going to approach Him for help with our emotions, we also have to have faith and confidence in Him. When the Apostle Paul was referencing the eternal purpose that was realized in Christ, he wrote,
11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” – Ephesians 3:11-12
Hmmm … our faith in Christ and what He has done helps us to have confidence to approach Him. Otherwise we would never approach a holy God … for anything.
So, whether we are going to God or a therapist for help with our emotions (or both), we must have faith in them.
Yet, we must ask the question if God is in the “business” of helping us with our emotions. Does He care when we feel anxious, angry, depressed or sad? Well, the answer is “yes”, but we must have faith to believe in His word, for it is filled with His promises and wisdom on how to deal with our emotions.
For example:
When we are overwhelmed:
“But he (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
On dealing with anxiety:
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:6-7
On dealing with depression:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:5
On dealing with anger:
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11
“26 “In your anger do not sin”[a]: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.”. Ephesians 4:26-27
These are just a few of the verse that God provides to let us know that He is mindful of our emotions, and wants to help us.
So, what about you? How are you dealing with your emotions? Do you need help? Do you need a therapist? Do you need God?
If you are struggling with your emotions, may I suggest something?
God first. Therapist second. Faith always.
For Jesus,
Rob