12/16 Good or Bad

Silence and Stillness before God (2 minutes)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 
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Written by Tori Meeder
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2020 has brought about a shift in my perspective. I used to divide my emotional states into “good” and “bad.” I could pray and come to God when I was experiencing the “good” range, but I acted as if something was wrong with me if I was in a “bad” emotional state. I had to tough it out, to return to my equilibrium before I felt acceptable to turn to God. 

Now I understand that God is not is not put off by the full range of human experience. In fact, God can use our emotional landscape to teach us. I am getting better at identifying and feeling my emotions, rather than developing anxiety about my feelings. And, most importantly, I’m learning to turn toward God with whatever I’m feeling. God doesn’t want to be with me only when I’m happy or when I need something. God can handle my rage, my bitter disappointment, my loneliness, my blues, my listless apathy. So I’m learning to have peace, whether or not I’m feeling peaceful. I can bring it all to God while still knowing that I am fully loved.
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Jesus, thank you for the safety of your presence. Thank you for welcoming all of who I am and what I feel. 

Conclude with Stillness (2 minutes)