God is stronger than emotions

Emotions are intriguing yet complex. They possess great power to influence decision-making, as people often allow themselves to be swayed by their emotions. It is a normal part of being human to experience a range of emotions, both good and bad. However, the challenge lies in gaining control over them. Perhaps you can relate to finding yourself trapped in unwanted emotions, engaged in a mental battle. In those moments, it may feel like you are your own worst enemy, struggling to break free from the grip of sadness. The words of Psalm 42:3 resonate: "My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, 'Where is your God?'"

Upon encountering this verse, I made a significant realization. When I am sad, I am like those who question the presence of God. During moments of tears and inner turmoil, I used to wonder why God seemingly left me to navigate through sadness alone. I would ponder, "Where is He? Why doesn't He rescue me from this despair?" Eventually, I discovered that I had been asking the wrong questions. Blaming God for my emotional responses made no sense because He never compelled me to react in a particular way. Instead, He taught me to emanate peace and surrender what I cannot control into His capable hands.

When contemplating sadness and tears, I think of Jesus and His own weeping. The books of John 11:35, Luke 19:41, and Hebrews 5:7-9 document His moments of sorrow. However, Jesus did not assign blame to God for His sadness. Rather, He exhibited faith, and as a result, Lazarus came forth through His divine intervention. While our lives may not always mirror this miraculous outcome when we are saddened by the loss of a loved one, we can always seek God's comfort through the Holy Spirit and exercise faith, believing that He will provide.

What I appreciate about God is that His communication with us is comprehensive. He doesn't stop mid-sentence; He addresses the problem and provides a solution. We must remember to seek Him diligently, for then we will hear more of His wisdom. James 1:2-3 states, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This verse conveys God's message: "My child, you will be tested, but be strong, for I believe in you." I like to imagine this is what God tells me whenever I encounter trials.

This verse teaches us that when we feel as described in Psalm 42:3, we must not lose faith in God. Instead, we should trust in Him completely, knowing that He is beside us every step of the way. God does not merely observe our tears; He deeply cares for us. To Him, we are precious and valuable, and His love for us knows no bounds. In Matthew 6:33, He instructs us, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all His righteousness will be added unto you." God teaches us to embrace our emotions, without allowing them to define our identity (e.g., "I am depressed"). Rather, we acknowledge our feelings (e.g., "I am feeling depressed") and remember that God surpasses any emotion we may experience. As Philippians 4:6-7 encourages, let us present our emotions and feelings before God, and His peace will envelop us. Always remember that emotions are transient, but God remains constant. He has been the same in the past, is unchanging now, and will remain so in the future.

- Naledi Mabitsela