Our emotions can bring us up or bring us down. They can even affect others around us, including our families. Left unchecked, they can leave a path of destruction in their wake, just like a tornado or hurricane. Emotions are more of a reaction to a situation we are going through and not necessarily a logical thought process of the reality of it. Sometimes our emotions even cloud our judgement of a situation and may lead to a misinterpretation of the actual event.
A friend of mine shared that his wife and he had a big argument last night. His mood was very somber and I’m sure many hurtful words were exchanged in anger. Things were said that were either untrue or taken out of context. Both of them are exhausted and emotionally wounded. That is what happens when emotions rule the conversation.
When controlled, emotions are a good thing. I have noticed that I’ve become more emotional as I’ve gotten older. In particular, it doesn’t take much to make me cry these days… weddings, funerals, a rare Cowboys playoff victory, when Iron Man died, and even Hallmark movies. But I refuse to turn in my Man Card!
The release of emotions, in a controlled manner, allow us to let out built-up steam and keep us from blowing up. If we hold it all in and explode, we are likely to take others out with us. We can be emotional without harming those we love. Talking about how we are feeling helps tremendously when we have pent up emotions that need an avenue of release, especially if that emotion is hurt, anger, or bitterness.
God can handle any emotion we have and he is the best listener. He should always be the first one we take our burdens and cares to when we have a need. Find a trusted friend to share your ups and downs with so that you can lift one another up in hard times. Laugh together, cry together, and pray together!
1 Peter 5:7 (TPT) - “Pour out all your worries and stress upon him and leave them there, for he always tenderly cares for you.”