Scriptural Foundation:
Jeremiah 17:9 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?
Reflection:
One of the things I took away from my childhood was that emotions were a waste of time. After a couple of emotionally devastating situations, I found out two things about sadness – 1. it didn’t help anything and 2. it HURT. Not only were emotions distracting, but they overwhelmed me at the most inopportune times. Instead of compassion, I encountered manipulation. So, after trying the whole “feelings” thing, I decided I was better off without them. Well that approach serves one well . . . until it doesn’t.
For length of days and years of a life [worth living] and tranquility [inward and outward and continuing through old age till death], these shall they add to you. Let not mercy and kindness [shutting out all hatred and selfishness] and truth [shutting out all deliberate hypocrisy or falsehood] forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them upon the tablet of your heart. So shall you find favor, good understanding, and high esteem in the sight [or judgment] of God and man. – Proverbs 3:2-4
If one doesn’t allow feelings of sadness then one also doesn’t allow feelings of happiness. Things become black and white and I know now that this view point creates an opening for the devil – i.e. depression or bitterness. Thinking back, at moments when other people would be glowing with accomplishment, it would be business as usual for me. When others beamed with pride, I would be looking for ways to down play the situation. Like a marching cadence, I just kept it moving- left, left, left, right, left. My friend from high school nicknamed me the ice queen…who knew they would eventually make a movie about me – Frozen….ok, bad joke.
He winks with his eyes, he speaks by shuffling or tapping with his feet, he makes signs [to mislead and deceive] and teaches with his fingers. Willful and contrary in his heart, he devises trouble, vexation, and evil continually; he lets loose discord and sows it. Therefore upon him shall the crushing weight of calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken, and that without remedy. – Proverbs 6:13-15
Although, I like the tin man in the movie the Wizard of Oz eventually I did find my heart . . . boy did I make up for that lost time. Stuff that the average person experienced in middle school through high school I experienced all at one time in college. I didn’t totally give up my “under the rock living” – I was still the gal that did that “religious thing”, but I started to experience emotions again. Little did I know the damage that was caused to my spiritual man as to the way I processed past hurts. Our ladies fellowship group this year is reading a book on the Enemies of the Heart. Oh boy, talk about unpacking a lot of things that I didn’t know I still had. It is like cleaning out my parent’s storage locker all over again.
The Lord has made everything [to accommodate itself and contribute] to its own end and His own purpose—even the wicked [are fitted for their role] for the day of calamity and evil. Everyone proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting, hateful, and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; be assured [I pledge it] they will not go unpunished. By mercy and love, truth and fidelity [to God and man—not by sacrificial offerings], iniquity is purged out of the heart, and by the reverent, worshipful fear of the Lord men depart from and avoid evil. – Proverbs 16:4-6
Beloved, the Lord allows things in our lives not as punishment but as a bi-product of us setting aside His Word for something that we think is better. Can I tell you there is nothing better than the plans that the Lord has for you?
Not because of works [not the fulfillment of the Law’s demands], lest any man should boast. [It is not the result of what anyone can possibly do, so no one can pride himself in it or take glory to himself.] For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. – Ephesians 2:9-10
I don’t know about you, but I purpose each day to live it in full color! Sure, certain situations are not the most ideal, but Lord knows, I strive to do my best in Him. You can choose to continue seeing things in black and white – doom and gloom, but it is lot more fun when you read and live out the Word of God in full color.
A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. – Ezekiel 36:26 (If you want to really get excited read the whole chapter!)
Seeking Revelation:
Grab your notebook:
- Do you have some areas and/or subjects in your life that are off limits?
- List this painful moments (don’t worry, it is for your eyes only)
- Are those same barriers creating issues in other areas of your life?
- Is there any correlation between an off-limit area and another area in your life? (Do you have “puzzle pieces” touching?)
- Meditate on the Word, seek the Lord, and find scriptures that speak directly to that under developed area in your life.