Often people refer to our spiritual walks as a series of mountains and valleys. I’m sure you can recall several times when you had amazing spiritual moments. I bet you these high moments were also big emotional moments as well too. So is that the system then? We are closer to God when we have a crazy spiritual moment? What about those moments when you are empty of emotions but are diligently following and sacrificing for God?
I was at a young adults church service this last Wednesday. The people on the stage raised their hands and worshiped with passion. Many others around me jumped or danced about in that odd sort of way that is only considered normal at youthful worship settings. I tried to get into the emotional worship, but I just couldn’t. I got a little frustrated at myself, but then God spoke to me.
Do I need to be surging with emotion to be a good Christian?
Of course there’s a time and place for spiritual emotional highs, but are those the only times God speaks or moves? Does this mean then that those who are serving God with absolute devotion are always experiencing these spiritual high moments? Does this also mean that those who aren’t as emotional aren’t as spiritual? I sure hope not.
It’s easy to fall into this trap. It’s easy to look at these passionate people when I’m empty of emotions and wish I felt as close to God as they are. This is wrong. I shouldn’t stand in worship trying to work up emotions but should instead focus on God and praise him for his goodness.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is in 1 Kings 19. God tells Elijah he’s going to pass by. A wind rushes by so powerful that it shatters rocks, but God’s presence wasn’t in the wind. Then came an earthquake, followed by a fierce fire, but God’s presence wasn’t in these powerful forces either. Then God’s presence came in a gentle whisper. Why the whisper? I think God’s trying to show here that sometimes he moves in the quiet and boring moments not just powerful emotional experiences.
Can emotions become an idol?
I would argue yes. We crave these emotionally high moments sometimes more than we crave just simply reading God’s word or pleasing God through obedience. I bet you there are some people who follow God just to get these emotional moments. We need to change our perspective.
We need to embrace the “dry” seasons
Just because you aren’t feeling charged emotionally doesn’t mean you are any further from God. New believers will often run by emotions and that’s fine, but they can’t stay that way. God’s word tells us “keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). Isn’t it odd that this verse doesn’t mention emotions at all? There are so many other verses on this topic, you can find a short list here.
As we grow deeper in our faith, we have to stop relying on flippant emotions, instead we have to live by facts and by God’s word. You aren’t just saved from your sins when you feel like you are saved from your sins. You aren’t just loved by God when you feel loved by God. We can rest knowing that these truths are always true, even when you feel like they aren’t. This is critical to remember.
If you rely on emotions, how will you persevere through difficulty?
There will be times that feel as if everything has turned against you. It might even feel as if God has turned against you. In these moments, we need to take an inventory of our hearts. What are you doing? Are you sliding into sin or following God? Where is your heart at? Are you seeking after your own good or are you striving to love God and others?
If you are doing what God is calling you to do, then you can cast aside negative emotions or the lack of emotions and continue on. Don’t feel like you are less faithful in your spiritual walk just because you feel empty of emotions. Don’t just go through life seeking for emotional highs either. Instead, focus on God, follow his word, and take hard steps of faith.
What do you think? Do we idolize emotional highs? Comment your thoughts below.
If you need encouragement in facing negative emotions, check out my blog Conquering Fear
If you are fighting to try and find God’s calling, check out my blog Hearing God’s Voice
