Dear Dr. B,
Life has just been so hard lately. It has left me feeling spent, and left my emotions raw. Have you ever felt that way? What do you do in times like that?
Sincerely,
Real and Raw
I’m so sorry for your pain. I have great compassion because I have been experienced times when my emotions were raw. It’s in times like that when we really want our friends to understand and to be able to help and comfort us. But that’s often when, try as they might, if they haven’t walked through similar trials, they might not be able to understand.
Jesus experienced times when His emotions were raw
As I prayed about my response, I felt like God reminded me that even when our friends and family members may not understand this depth of emotion, He does. He has been in that position.
On the night that Jesus was betrayed, He was in the garden praying. He was overcome by such emotion, and praying that if there was any way possible, that God would spare Him from having to die. Scripture says that Jesus was in such agony, His emotions were so raw, that He sweat drops of blood.
“He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood.” (Luke 22: 44)
When your emotions are raw, pray all the more fervently
Yet, Jesus was the perfect example for us. He didn’t run from His emotions. He didn’t try to bury them. He didn’t busy Himself in work, or overeat or oversleep. Scripture says that when He was in such emotional turmoil, “He prayed more fervently.”
That’s what we too need to do when our emotions are raw, when we are so spent from the difficult circumstances we face. We need to pray all the more fervently.
Who better to take these raw emotions to? Who better to take our difficult circumstances to than the One who faced the most difficult of life circumstances and gained the victory over them so that we could have the victory?
Our prayers are powerful and effective
We are promised that, “The fervent prayers of a righteous person are powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
That should bring a great deal of comfort. I could relate to your question. I’ve experienced many difficulties that left me emotionally raw and many of my friends have as well. But when we are in those situations, we are encouraged by Jesus’s example to pray all the more fervently.
Praying God’s promises shifts your focus to God
When we pray in agreement with the promises God has made to us in His word, they become more embedded in our hearts. The more we pray it (fervent prayer), the more we come to believe it and expect it. It shifts your focus off the circumstance and onto God and His timing.
Bible Verses to stand on when you are emotionally raw
I don’t know what situations you are facing or what circumstances you find yourself in.
But we can stand on these promises when our emotions run high:
- I know who goes before you.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8) - I know that He knows the plans He has for you. Those plans are good, they are to prosper you and not to harm you. They include a future and a hope.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11) - And He promises to work all things together for our good when we love Him and are called for His purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Have you ever experienced raw emotions and turned to prayer for comfort? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below. We’d love to hear your stories and how prayer has impacted your journey.
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Dr. B this was really good. I shared it everywhere!
“When we pray in agreement with the promises God has made to us in His word, they become more embedded in our hearts.” I totally agree. Thanks for the encouragement, Michelle!
Raw is very real and Jesus knew that more than we do.
Thank you for this great tip! Pray more fervently!
Visiting from #InspireMeMondays
Praying His Word back to Him as Lisa said. I like the Psalms as the psalmists were so real with their emotions, too, but they always got to the “but God” moment.
Thank you for these wise words, Dr. B. As someone going through a difficult spell, I can attest to the fact that Jesus does stay near. Lately the verse in Deut 31:8 has given me much hope, reminding me that God himself goes before me, He will never leave me nor forsake me. This is such good news!
Blessings to you, dear friend.
Marva | SunSparkleShine
This is a truth that I need presently. Thank you for contributing to Literacy Musing Mondays.
Timely and practical encouragement. Thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Barbie! May He continue to encourage you each day.
In the past several months during my husband’s illness and death, I have truly experienced some pretty raw emotions. I found myself before going to sleep at night and waking in the morning crying out to God in tears for my husband’s healing, restoration and all that Father had told us would happen (that we understood would happen), yielding to His will and plans yet agonizing over the situation, the illness, the doctor’s confusion as to what was really happening. Oh how I yearned for Father to yield to my wishes yet I was also willing to rest in Him, see His hand working and hear His voice telling me that He was with me and working in the situation. I felt so close in those moments and I know He gave me the strength for each moment of the day. My hubby did pass away but Father told me the day before He was taking him home. So I know that he is healed but my emotions have still been very raw and real going through this time after his death. The pain is real and so hard yet God’s comfort is there for me and His love is all consuming. Thank you for not glossing this over but being real in your encouragement. I love and appreciate you!
Karen, I can only imagine the roller coaster of emotions you surely must be experiencing. There are few words this side of heaven to ease the suffering and grief, but we continue to pray to the One who is close to you in your brokenheartedness, and who longs to comfort you each moment of every day. With love and hope, Dr. Michelle
So beautifully spoken Michelle. This is a tenderhearted message we all need.
I appreciate you sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.