I consider myself an optimist. I’m one of those people who would say my glass of iced tea is always half-full. However, there are times that I have to remind myself–or perhaps permit myself–to feel emotions other than happiness. I’m not sure why I resist allowing myself to feel all the feels. After all, Jesus did. And there are moments and seasons where other expressions are required.

Being fully God and fully man, Jesus felt a complete range of human emotions that were all documented in the Bible. We see Jesus being compassionate (Luke 7:13), joyful (John 15:11), sad (John 11:35), and angry (Mark 3:5). He expressed himself and even spoke about the situations He faced–with God and those closest to Him. 

Jesus talked to his disciples about the sense of being on the run from those who wished to persecute Him (Matthew 8:20) and the bitterness of suffering required for Him to offer us freedom from our sins. Jesus was often misunderstood by those who yearned to learn from Him–but He still chose to share with them. As a result, various authors of the Bible gift us with pieces of encouragement and wisdom. We are to learn from Jesus and their words.

ENCOURAGEMENT & WISDOM FROM SCRIPTURE
Scripture provides us with advice that we can use in our everyday lives. Here’s some advice you can take with you each day.
1 Peter 5:7 “…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Philippians 4:6-7 “…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Isaiah 41:10 “…fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Mental health affects our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is vital to care for it just as we care for the rest of our bodies. We are to talk to God first, in all things, but sometimes we might also need to speak to a trusted friend or a professional counselor. We are, after all, created for community–and instructed to share our burdens. (Galatians 6:2) Thankfully, the Greater Baton Rouge area has multiple choices for faith-based mental health assistance.

I saw a post on social media the other day that said God doesn’t always take away the challenging situations we face, but He does say we don’t have to walk through it alone. I love this reminder. It’s true. He tells us this most reassuring commitment over 20 times! (Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Hebrews 13:5, can you find the others?) Even on the most challenging days, this truth from the King of Kings takes my cup from half-full to overflowing.

If you are in need of any assistance, or if you are looking for more information on Baton Rouge area Faith-based counselors,  click here.