EMOTIONAL PEAKS AND VALLEYS

From My Perspective - - -

Modern psychologists can identify dozens of emotions experienced by humans. However there are seven that are considered the "root" emotions. (1) Anger: ranges from highly irritable to frustration. Anger easily attaches itself to resentment, exasperation, rage and fury. (2) Anxiety is usually subjective and expresses with nervous or uneasy feelings. It can result in one sensing distress and having apprehensions. (3) Surprise can be a feeling of something pleasant or unpleasant. Several other emotions flow from surprise, such as: amazement and astonishment. (4) Trust finds its origin in one’s inner-strength and values. Psychologists refer to it as strength or self-assuredness. Theologians refer to it as faith and a sense of inner-security. (5) Grief usually occurs when there is the experience of suffering over a loss or due to a painful experience. It is a given that there are varying degrees of grief, ranging from disappointment to despair. Grief can easily and quickly slide into a degree of anguish and heartache. (6) Fear originates from within regarding possible negative experiences regarding personal harm, danger, threat or loss. Other possible and/or likely responses include apprehension, dread, or a feeling of panic regarding the unknown. (7) Love contains both a spiritual (relationship and commitment) and physical (familial interaction) component. Love is something more than a romantic relationship or a moment of passion. If it is part of one’s core values, it requires a spiritual response to the agape love of God as one makes it foundational and purposeful in his/her life.

This past Sunday proved to be an experience ranging from joyous celebration to sadness and sorrow. We were privileged to attend the joyous celebration for a lady who has been a member and a pillar of the church. She was being honored for her life and many years of faithful service. We would then journey to attend an afternoon funeral service. The sadness and sorrow was because of the sudden death of a husband, father and grandfather. He had served his community church faithfully and would greet one with a firm handshake, broad smile and words of appreciation. There is a connection between these two events. The one being honored will have to adjust to a vacuum in her life. The church was a very real part of who she is and what she loved to do. Because of her relationship to Jesus Christ, she will be sustained by the abundant life in Christ (John 10:10); the fullness of joy as she abides in Christ (John 15:11); and the all-sustaining peace of God (John 14:26-27). The one for whom the funeral was taking place will leave a vacuum in the lives of his loved ones, friends, and the church in which he was an intricate part. The loved ones will be sustained by the comfort of God (II Corinthians 1:3-4), and as they rest upon the truth – Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4).   

Part of both the joy and comfort factors in our human and spiritual emotional range is expressed in the words of a Hymn written 100 years ago by Oswald J, Smith. Stanza 1: “Into the heart of Jesus; Deeper and deeper I go, Seeking to know the reason Why He should love me so, Why He should stoop to lift me Up from the miry clay, Saving my soul, making me whole, Though I had wandered away.” Stanza 4: “Into the joy of Jesus, Deeper and deeper I go, Rising, with soul enraptured, Far from the world below. Joy in the place of sorrow, Peace in the midst of pain, Jesus will give, Jesus will give; He will uphold and sustain.” Stanza 5: “Into the love of Jesus Deeper and deeper I go, Praising the One Who brought me Out of my sin and woe; And through eternal ages Gratefully I shall sing: O how He loved! O how He loved! Jesus, my Lord and my King!” Whether one is at the peak of joy or at the depths of sorrow, he/she is served well and best by remembering the words of Stanza 4: “Into the Joy of Jesus, deeper and deeper I go.” As one does this, what does he/she find? The answer is: “Joy in the place of sorrow, Peace in the midst of pain – Jesus will give – He will uphold and sustain.” It is so good to know and be in a relationship with the eternal and faithful God. May the words of Lamentations 3:22-24 always be that which sustains you/us: “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him." Let these truths be your strength, comfort, hope and joy. Consider these things with me!