the psalms and our emotions

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The psalms and our emotions

As a wife and a mom (and basically as a human being), I experience many different emotions every single day.

Love.

Joy.

Irritability.

Fear.

Impatience.

Sadness.

Anger.

Bitterness.

Things are out of control.

Competitiveness.

And the list could go on, but you get the picture.

God created us as whole beings, therefore emotions themselves aren’t evil.  But, they have been affected by the fall – when sin entered the picture long ago we have a different bent on emotions.  But, the good news is we have been given something to help with our emotions.

Psalter by Crossway

We have been given the Bible, especially the book of Psalms.  The Psalms to me is probably the most helpful book in the entire world when knowing how to deal with my emotions.  One of my friends told me early this year that one of the best disciplines I could would be to journal through the psalms, praying through them, crying out to God using his very word to direct my thoughts.  This practice has been so helpful in turning my thoughts and emotions back to God. This practice doesn’t necessarily have to go with hard times when our hearts are torn.  But, it can help us specifically praise the One who deserves all the credit when things are going well in our lives.

Crossway recently came out with a Psalter that is amazing.  My sweet husband just gifted it to me.  He placed an order with random other household goods from amazon that he knew I would open.  I found the psalter.  I called him hoping I hadn’t ruined a surprise – he said no, just thought it would be a happy.  It so was!  I’d been wanting it forever!  It is the perfect compact size to carry with me everywhere.  It has thick pages perfect for people like me who like to write in their Bibles.  And it is only the Psalms – which is perfect for reading and re-reading.

Another book has recently come out that has been helpful as I’ve started reading it.  And this post has also been encouraging.  IF you want a prayer journal that a wife can pray for her husband through certain books of the Bible, you can find one here on the blog for free that I wrote for the book of Nehemiah or the one I wrote for Ephesians.

One of the best parts about the psalms and the most instructive is how the writers deal with their emotions.  They aren’t afraid to tell us what they are really feeling: doubt, fear, worry, anxiety, questioning, joy, praise, adoration, etc.  But, even when they are struggling in their faith – they always come back to the understanding that God is in control.  He is most glorious.  He is in charge of all things.  And that is why they praise.  They know that every situation will be handled by the Great BIG GOD who is gently leading and guiding them through all things.

I never want to shy away from my emotions.  I do want to run to my God who knows me and knows how all of it is going to turn out.  And you don’t have to not share your emotions with others.  Christians should not be a stoic people.  (I mean, clearly, the Psalms is anything but stoic.)  But, with our sharing, let us always return to the hope of Christ. May we always take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

My Favorite “Mommy” Verse

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God Daily Bears Us Up

Some people may think I’m a good Mommy, but my husband and few friends understand what a struggle it is for me every day of the week.  I thrive on quiet and peace and I’ve been given two toddlers who love to scream and they giggle really loud and they say “hi mommy” 50 times in a row.  I wouldn’t change them or trade them for anything.

So, here is what I say to myself often – and I need to say to myself more:

“Bless the Lord who daily bears us up.” Psalm 68.19

Bless – praise, thank, admire, worship

the Lord – Jesus, God – the one who created everything including you and your children

Who: he is the one who does it!

Bears – gives strength

Us – you, me, anyone who will call upon his name

Up – he keeps us from falling.

The rest of the verse goes on to say that God is our salvation.  God is more than just your provision (Jesus) out of hell.  But God is your salvation every single day!

So, if you are like me and struggle in your mommyhood role – know that crying out to the Lord is such a source of help.  He will bear you up because He is faithful at his word!

Glory and Grace: Psalm 41

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Glory and Grace

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.  Oh how wonderful it is to have people who care about you!  Psalm 41.1-2

Since last week’s wallet-stealing episode, we have seen God work in amazing ways.

The church we call home, Mount Vernon in Sandy Springs, GA, graciously rallied around us with prayers, concern, and we were given more than enough to make up for what was stolen.

That is the body of Christ friend.  I am reminded again of the truth that God will provide for us in every way, taking care of everything when we have a need!  He is all around us – all the time – orchestrating all events to bring Himself the most glory.

So, we are by no means poor, but this verse reminded me of how blessed people are who bless others – and blessings all around!

Glory and Grace: Psalm 77:1-3

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Psalm 77 - He hears our prayers

I yell out to my God, I yell with all my might,
I yell at the top of my lungs.

He listens.

Psalm 77:1 – the Message

Do you know and understand and realize and stake claim to the fact that the GOD OF THE UNIVERSE, the One who was before anything else ever came on the scene, the One who just spoke and everything came into existence – that God is the one who hears your prayers?

Shouldn’t that cause us to pray all the time – to seek him when we are troubled and scared and nervous and wondering what to do?  He delights in us and desires us – and hears us!

And he would listen to us even if all we could muster up was a quiet whisper in the middle of the night.

#31Days: Quote Day 15 – Psalm 127

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Sebastian Robshaw - 10.13.13
Sebastian Robshaw – 10.13.13
We’ve had a busy 50+ hours in our home as we brought home our second son, Sebastian Robshaw, yesterday. What a whirlwind!
Our pastor came to visit us on Sunday afternoon. This verse is what this blog post is all about:
Psalm 127:3: Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.

31Days 2013: Quotes

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Comfort

Each October bloggers go on this quest to find a great topic to write about for 31 days straight. Last year I wrote about everything being new – because, well, everything was. I had a new baby and was moving into a new apt in a new state.

This year, I’m weeks away from having our second little boy and about the only thing I have energy to do while Little Buddy is napping is to read.  So, I thought I would do 31 posts on quotes that I’ve read – and what I think about them. This will keep me reading and keep me writing – and hopefully introduce you to new-to-you books/authors.

“One must have faith that no one hurt can be so painful that God is not able to comfort the hurting one.” – Gloria Furman, Glimpses of Grace, pg 131 (Crossway Books)

Hormones or not, this has been an emotional and sometimes painful season for me. Sometimes I have turned to food, sometimes I have turned to my husband or son. Others times I have turned to blog reading for comfort. Whichever of those I choose – they still let me down and don’t ultimately comfort me. Who does when all else fails?

God.

“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” – Psalm 119.50

And for those interested, I’ll also be contributing to 31 Days of Proverbs over at the OSP blog

31days