God created within us emotions, and He warns us not to trust them. Rather than being confused and controlled by our feelings, we strive to heed God’s word with maturity and grace.  We find the blessings of love, happiness, surprise and interest. Our emotions season our lives and help us embrace life, but what about the emotions that bring us pain?   We live in a sinful world therefore, anger, fear, shame, and sadness come into our lives. In God’s wisdom He gave them all to us, and truthfully we are blessed by our feelings.  God also experiences emotions and He doesn’t leave us without direction in dealing with our emotions.

On Sunday, February 5, 2023 Pastor David brought a timely message concerning grief.  Many in our congregation have lost loved ones recently, and many more have dealt with grief over time.  The sermon gave six ways God helps us through our grief.

  1. God draws us close to Himself (Psalm 34:18)
  2. God grieves with us (Isaiah 53:3)
  3. God gives us a church family for support (Romans  12:10-15)
  4. God uses our grief to help us grow (James 1:2-3)
  5. God gives us hope of Heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
  6. God uses our pain to help others (2 Corinthians 1:4)

At the close of the message many participated in an opportunity to show our love and support for one another with a time of prayer. Please continue to obey God by sharing other’s burdens, reading the Bible, worshiping with fellow Christians, and always praying for others as we each navigate life with emotions.

Angela Shiflet