Daily Devotionals for Women - Today's Encouraging Word from Scripture

STOICISM
Jaime WyrtzenLauze

And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:36

Have you ever been shamed by another Christian for being upset? Do you ever feel like you are expected to act like a robot? Scripture has a lot to say about emotions.

When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He knew the pain that was before Him. He would be slowly tortured to death while carrying all sin that had been committed and will be committed on His shoulders. He did not sit there stoically as is often portrayed in movies. The Bible says that he was in distress, so much so that he sweated blood. That’s some intense emotion.

At the temple, He was angry at how His Father’s house was turned into “a den of thieves.” But in many churches, emotion is shunned. Even in extreme circumstances. Parishioners aren’t allowed to work through the feelings of being hurt or betrayed. People are chastised for even grieving the death of a loved one.

We can’t help but feel our emotions. But we do need to control them by giving them over to God. Jesus gave His distress over to the Father in the garden. We need to do the same. It’s important to feel because our God created us to do just that. Just as it is important to feel, it’s equally important to reign emotions in. Jesus didn’t run away from the cross. That would be giving in to His feelings. Instead, He was courageous. Jesus, our Older Brother, gave us this wonderful gift. This wonderful example of standing in face of the worst physical and emotional pain possible. He just loved us that much.

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of emotions. I ask that You will help me be in control of my feelings so that they may bring about good, instead of bad. In Jesus Precious Name, Amen

Journal:

Have you ever been shamed for showing emotion?
How did you respond?
Where do you fall on the emotional the emotional spectrum: stoic or public mess?
Do you need balance in this area?

For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org