Struggling Emotionally?

This quote is from a book called “Total Church.” And like many other quotes I read from books, it sometimes takes a while for my mind to understand the significance of the truth there. This isn’t any different. There’s so much truth packed into this short sentence.

I know so many times in my life that I struggle with my emotions. I struggle to control them. Or more accurately, I struggle with not letting them control me.
There’s a fine line between experiencing your emotions and letting them completely control everything you say and do.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t experience the full depth of emotions. The Lord was gracious to give us emotions to feel–what would life look like without joy, happiness, sadness, etc.
But the issue lies with letting emotions control everything I do or say.
I’m still learning the balance. I’m learning what life should look like. I’m learning what it means to let Christ fully reign in my heart and soul.
I’m not going to lie–there are so many days of my life when I just want to shut down. I don’t want to experience the emotions of the day–even if they’ll be good.
And those are normally the days that I’m struggling to believe the truth about my identity in Christ. Those are the days I struggle to live out who I am in Christ.

But those are also the days I see The Lord doing some of his greatest work in my heart.
It’s in the midst of the struggle that I see the Spirit changing me. I see Him working to engage my soul in trusting Him fully and completely.
It’s really crazy and awesome to see Him love me in such a real way.
Because He teaches me on those hard days that I am weak, that I am so prone to wander away from Him. But He is so gentle in leading me right back to Him. He loves me. He pursues me. And He draws me deep into His loving embrace.
And nothing feels as good as a giant hug from my Daddy.

So what happens when I have a day when my emotions seem liable to rule all I am?
The Lord draws me in and teaches me to lean wholeheartedly on Him. He teaches me to press into Him.
And they end up being some of the greatest days of my life.