Facing Ambivalent Emotions

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Facing Ambivalent Emotions

Psalm 39:5-7: “Each man’s life is but a breath. Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro; He bustles about, but only in vain… But now Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.”

Many of us believe that we must always put on a “happy face” so that others will think we are fine spiritual people. Even when we are sad or discouraged, we smile and attempt to prove to our world that “all is right.”

Although there is nothing wrong with maintaining a positive outlook, we need not pretend that we never hurt. God knows that our human battles include victories and defeats. He does not abandon us when we feel discouraged or depressed. The inclusion of “downer” psalms in the Bible indicates that God acknowledges our daily struggles and invites us to share them with caring friends and with him.

Some days life feels fine, and we are eager to face any challenge. Other days we feel gloomy, wondering about the futility of it all. God remains the same regardless of our vacillating moods. He is our constant hope even when everything we do and say seems to count for nothing. With him by our side we can walk through the ambivalent feelings that often accompany confusing and hectic circumstances.

Lord, I realize I’ll never have
perfectly consistent emotions or reactions
to my daily difficulties.
You’re my hope for stability.

Joan C. Webb