I was sent a copy of Pastor Eric Johnson's church newsletter at on FEEL and thought I would share it. Thanks Eric! How can I empower a better understanding of God's plan for your emotions at your fellowship?
Hello Friends,
Quick quiz: What is the missing word in each song?
It’s the End of the World As We Know It (And I ____ Fine) – R.E.M.
Man! I ____ Like a Woman! – Shania Twain
I ____ Good – James Brown
Can you ____ it? – The Jacksons
Probably like you, I’ve read many Christian-authored books over the years. The latest one that I’ve been reading has been the most spiritually impacting book I’ve read in recent years. It’s simply called FEEL (which is the answer to the quiz). It’s by Matthew Elliot (my new Facebook friend!).
I grew up in eastern Kentucky, so I’m "Appalachian-American" by birth. I grew up where you did three things with feelings: hide, repress and/or ignore them. Want to cry? Hold it in. Want to scream? Don’t. Want to share something you’re struggling with? Better not.
Through reading this book, the Lord drove it home to me that I’ve always viewed emotions/feelings as a liability, and never an asset.
How many times have you heard . . .?
"Your feelings cannot be trusted."
"Emotions can cloud your thinking."
"God cares about what you believe, not what you feel."
I’ve grown up hearing these statements, from believers, non-believers, and even Christendom. However, these statements are myths. Even though we’ve repeatedly heard them, they are unbiblical and untrue.
Many Christians simply aren’t experiencing abundant life. There can be a heavy focus on doing our duty and living by reason (like our favorite Vulcan Spock!). When what we know trumps how we feel, it can leave us feeling stolid, dull or like we are suffocating spiritually. Our Heavenly Father wants our passion restored so we can live the life that Jesus came to give us.
In the book, Matthew Elliott takes a deep and powerful look at what our culture and many churches have taught about controlling and ignoring our emotions. He contends that some of the great thinkers of the modern era got it all wrong, and that the Bible teaches that God intends for us to live in and through our emotions. Emotions are good things that God created us to feel.
FEEL has really helped me personally understand my emotions. It’s also equipped me to nurture healthy feelings and reject destructive ones. It’s been refreshing and convicting in so many ways.
A few of the author’s conclusions, which may make you do a double take, are: 1. Emotions were given by God to drive us to our best. 2. Emotions are among the most logical and dependable things in our lives. 3. The true health of our spiritual lives is measured by how we feel.
God gives us permission to feel, to express. Our spiritual lives don’t have to be dull or uninspiring.
So with that, I want to invite you to walk with the Lord through becoming more emotionally whole and expressive. God wants you to soar. He wants a "you" more full of vitality and spirit than you can imagine. It will be an amazing journey, and as we know, the journey is the destination.
Can you feel it?
Pastor Eric