TODAY’S INSPIRATION: EXPRESS YOURSELF!

Sometimes we put on a smile when that is the last thing we feel like doing. Our feelings are real but there are times we try to hide them because we don’t want to hurt, worry, make anyone angry, or to be judged. So instead of expressing ourselves, we pretend and hide behind a smiling face. Sound familiar? The good news is we can always get in the presence of God and express ourselves, reveal our true feelings, and as the saying goes, let our hair down.

Unlike us humans, God is not fooled by our attempts to disguise our true feelings and put on a false smile. The fact is, He already knows how we are feeling so there is no need to be pretentious with God. We can bring Him our hopes, fears, doubts, even our anger. God knows us better than we know ourselves. When we need a place to express ourselves without fear of reprisal or judgement, we can get into the presence of God. In our Father we will find mercy, not punishment, comfort, not reproach. When we come into His presence, the Holy Spirit will activate our spiritual being which trumps our physical feelings. This safeguards us against acting on our feelings the worldly way. And instead we are able to operate Christlike in spite of our feelings.  

I truly wish we could open up and let people know how we feel all the time, but realistic we live in a world that makes it hard. If you have even one person in your life that you can express yourself unconditionally, then you are blessed. However, if you don’t, do not be discouraged. Those of us who know Jesus always have Him to open up to.

When Jesus walked this earth, He had to deal with feelings just as we do. That is why He understands. Jesus had His disciples and followers, but they didn’t truly understand His mission or who He really was until after His death and resurrection. Who did He talk to about His feelings? The Bible tells us He was always in prayer with our Father in heaven. Before He was to be crucified, Jesus asked God that His assignment be taken from Him. His flesh was not “feeling” suffering and dying on the cross even though He knew He would rise again. But immediately after asking, Jesus also being Spirit said, “Your will, not mine.” Jesus prayed until God strengthened Him and waited until His feelings were in line with the Father’s will before leaving the garden. That is what happens when we take our feelings to God. Sometimes God does not take the situation or problem away from us. He knows the outcome will be for our good just as Jesus dying was for our good. What He will do is strengthen us, calm us, and be with us as He bring us through. Life’s trails and storms will wreak havoc on our feelings. But passionate prayer gives us and outlet to express them and bring them in line with God’s will. Then we pray as Jesus did,  “Your will, not mine.” Jesus never let His physical feelings interrupt His spiritual walk. He was always about His Father’s business. Brothers and sisters, we can go to God in prayer, expressing ourselves without fear of condemnation or judgement. In return He will give us peace and He will work everything out for our good. Love and blessings…

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, move this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” (Luke 22:42)

“Trust  in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

“And  we know that in all things God works for the good(A) of those who love him, who[a] have been called(B) according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)