At times, we may be tempted to avoid our difficult emotions and wonder if it’s okay as Christians to express our pain, anger and disappointment. However, when we look at the Bible, we see it is filled with a wide range of emotions. For instance, Jesus expressed deep sorrow at the loss of His friend Lazarus and felt righteous anger at the behaviour He witnessed in the temple. The book of Lamentations is dedicated to lamenting, which is a profound expression of sadness.
Additionally, David provides a powerful example of someone who fully expressed his heart before God, communicating his pain and anger honestly while ultimately returning to a place of truth and faith. Let’s delve into how David used the Psalms to navigate and process these difficult feelings:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
We might sometimes feel like we are walking through a dark valley, feeling lost, alone, and hopeless. We may be grieving, disappointed, in pain, hurt or angry. Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord is our Shepherd who cares for His flock — He provides, leads, protects, supports and stays close. In our darkest times, it can be a struggle to find God, but the Good Shepherd is always near, guiding us through the valley until we emerge on the other side.
Reflection:
In our dark valleys, let’s hold onto the faith that God is with us even when we are unable to see Him, trusting that He will lead us to wide open spaces and still waters. As our Good Shepherd, He remains steadfastly close to us through every trial.
“Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again — my Saviour and my God.”
“Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you…”
“O God my rock” I cry. “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief? I will praise Him.”
Psalm 42:5-6, 9
Have you ever found yourself swinging between pain and despair, grasping moments of truth only to return to the depths of sorrow? This is quite a normal process when we are grieving or lamenting. What David demonstrates to us here is his honesty with God about what he is feeling — he is very real and raw about the areas of his heart that he is struggling with. His transparency teaches us the power of putting our feelings into words before God in an unfiltered way.
Reflection:
Maybe this is something you may need to do in this season? Do you need to take time with God to honestly pour out your disappointment, pain and anger?
Consider reaching out to a trusted friend who can pray with you and support you through this process of bringing your feelings to God.
“Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14
As Christians, we can sometimes jump to do ‘the right thing’ of declaring truths but in the process avoid looking at our deeper emotions. Yet, ignoring those emotions doesn’t mean that they’ll eventually go away — they won’t. They linger within us, weighing us down and resurfacing unexpectedly when we feel triggered. It’s important to create space to acknowledge and express our emotions. Let’s notice what we can learn from David here: after wrestling with deep pain and despair, he brings himself back to the truth of who God is. He declares that even though it’s hard and he can’t see God right now, he knows that he will see God’s goodness one day. He models patience, bravery and courage — all things we need when we are navigating our dark valleys.
Reflection:
Don’t avoid the difficult emotions. Create intentional time with God to express yourself, putting words to the feelings with physical expressions like crying. If it feels overwhelming, consider doing this with a friend.
Once you’ve poured out your heart, come back to the truth of who God is. Faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Tell yourself, “Even if I can’t see God right now I choose to believe that He is with me and I will wait patiently on Him with courage.”
By looking at David’s example in the Psalms, we can find a path to authentically express our deepest emotions while anchoring ourselves in God’s truth. Be encouraged today to pour out your heart before God and to find comfort in His presence, trusting Him to lead you through whatever you are facing right now.
Much love,
Philbe Kellett and the eFocus team