Navigating Emotions with God’s Help
"Oh, Martha, Martha."
I can almost hear Jesus sighing as He says those words. I don't know about you, but I've heard that tone before. It usually comes right after I've done something spectacularly bone-headed, like trying to microwave a burrito still wrapped in foil. (Pro tip: Don't do that. Unless you enjoy impromptu fireworks in your kitchen.)
As I reflect on Martha's harsh words and accusations, I'm torn. On one hand, it's obvious her attitude was wrong, and the resulting actions were downright childish. On the other hand, I can't help but feel a pang of empathy for her. After all, haven't we all been there? Haven't we all allowed our emotions to take the reins, leading us down a path of regret?
It's so easy to let our feelings dictate our actions, especially when we're tired, overwhelmed, or frustrated. But as believers, we're called to something higher. We're called to let God's truth guide our steps, even when our emotions are screaming at us to do otherwise. It's like trying to eat a salad when there's a perfectly good pizza sitting right next to it. We know what we should do, but boy, is it hard sometimes!
In Proverbs 14:12, we read, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." When we allow our emotions to dictate our actions, we're often following a path that seems right at the moment but ultimately leads to destruction. It's like taking a "shortcut" on a road trip, only to end up stuck in a cow pasture with your GPS frantically recalculating. (Don't get me started on Jason and his shortcuts!)
When we're feeling angry, hurt, or frustrated, we need to pause and ask ourselves, "Is this emotion leading me closer to God, or is it pushing me further away?" If the answer is the latter, then we need to take a step back and reevaluate our response. We need to remind ourselves that our emotions are not the ultimate authority in our lives; God is.
In Philippians 4:6-7, the apostle Paul writes, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." When we're feeling overwhelmed by our emotions, we need to take our concerns to God in prayer. We need to trust that He is bigger than our feelings and that He has a plan for our lives that is far greater than anything we can imagine.
I remember a time when I was going through a particularly difficult season. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of negative emotions—fear, anger, doubt. One night, in desperation, I poured out my heart to God. I cried, I yelled, I probably looked like a complete mess. But in that moment of raw honesty, I felt a peace wash over me that I can't explain. It was as if God was saying, "I've got this. You can let go now." And you know what? He did have it. He always does.
Martha's story reminds us that we all struggle with our emotions at times. But it also inspires us to remember that God is greater than our emotions and that He is always there to guide us through the storms of life. When we choose to trust in Him, even when our feelings tell us otherwise, we can find the peace and wisdom that only comes from above.
