Cornerstone Christian Counselling Centre

by Rev. Art Zeilstra

Embracing Troubling Emotion

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 5:16 (NIV)

When we have a headache, a persistent fever, or gastro-intestinal disorder, common sense dictates that we should consult a pharmacist or medical doctor. Emotions have frequently been downplayed, criticized and, whenever possible, ignored, particularly by the Christian community. The general belief is, "don't trust your feelings!"

However, emotional turmoil is very real, for both Christians and non-Christians. How do we respond? Do we suppress the feelings or deny them? Ignoring feelings can cause us to miss important clues which could help us continue in our growth and development.

When a person is troubled by fear, anxiety, sadness, or another predominant feeling, it can be very productive to consider the true origin (or root) of the feelings. In my experience in ministering into people's lives, I have found that the feelings have surfaced due to one or more of the following three sources:

a. Self A situation occurs and the person responds with feelings of frustration, because the occasion has triggered old 'memory-feelings'

b. God God, by the Holy Spirit, in His sovereign time, brings thoughts, feelings, ideas to the surface.

c. Darkness When individuals are sensitive in nature, and/or have been traumatized, the enemy 'moves in' and floods the person's mind with various overwhelming feelings.

No matter what is the source of the feelings that surface, the good news is that the Lord Jesus Christ has the solution. He is the One who can redeem all things, whether holy or unholy in origin. It is He who works in us to 'set us apart' (I Cor. 1:2), to sanctify us, making us more holy, more Christ-like.

When there are feelings that are bubbling to the surface, we can begin to welcome them ­ knowing that they provide a 'trail' which ultimately helps us toward freedom. We 'embrace' the feelings and begin to ask Jesus specific question about the real origin of the feelings, and about the work He wants to do in those areas. Often, when we are open to ask the questions, the Holy Spirit takes us to a picture, a sensation, or a memory. We pray concerning that memory and ask Jesus, "What negative conclusions have I come to?"

Because of the conclusions we have (often un-wittingly) formed, we have been trapped into certain patterns of thinking, reacting, and believing. We need to ask, "Lord Jesus, how have these [negative conclusions] affected my life?" We repent of the negative conclusions, we destroy (by prayerful authority) the old (false) belief systems and then ask, "Lord Jesus, what is your revelation of truth to set me free?" When the truth is revealed, the negative feelings are dealt with and we are set free

This is a refreshing new way, and as we move into the light of Jesus' truth, shining intimately into our own lives, our faith and love for Him multiplies.

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Cornerstone Christian Counselling Centre
258 King St. N.,
519-883-3922
Fax 519-883-3924
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
mail: Box 38029 at 256 King St. N. Waterloo Ont. N2J 4T9

For further information contact us at www.cornerstonechristian.ca or info@cornerstonechristian.ca