Emotions & The Bible: Worry

Worry is a word that we use all the time; it’s part of our everyday language.  Sometimes, we use the word to describe something that is close to us – ‘I’m worried if I will pass that exam’ or ‘I am worried about whether someone is still talking to me, after what I said!’

These kinds of worries are normal, they show we care about different situations around us.  Generally, they are things we can do something about.  If we are worrying about exams, we can put a study plan in place, talk to a teacher or create a study group with others.  Although we may still be concerned about the exam on the day, if we are well prepared, it makes a big difference.

However, sometimes we may find ourselves getting worried and anxious over situations that are not ours to hold onto.  I was in the situation yesterday where I found myself mulling over different things that are happening.  

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Emotions & The Bible: Relief

When I started to write this post it certainly wasn’t with a feeling of relief!  In fact, I was feeling the complete opposite. What do I say?  How do I convey to others that the feeling of relief is life-giving, necessary and something we should seek out in life even if others around us are not feeling that same sense of relief?

It brought me back to two events that are recorded in the Bible that we can read about in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 9 verses 18 – 26.

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Emotions & The Bible: Sadness

I wonder how you are feeling in the midst of the continuing Corona virus restrictions, and the introduction of yet another lockdown?

There are many emotions you might be experiencing; perhaps your feelings change on a daily basis as you process all that we are going through.  Over the next few weeks, we are going to use these blog posts to explore some of these emotions, considering what The Bible might say into them, and how we deal with what we are feeling.

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Jesus: Wonderful Counsellor

We associate the word ‘counsellor’ to someone who listens and offers advice and guidance.

When Isaiah wrote 800 years before Jesus came that he would be called ‘Wonderful Counsellor’ it was a message of hope. ‘Wonderful’ meaning so good it is beyond our understanding and comprehension; and ‘Counsellor’ meaning a wise and trusted ruler.

‘For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’

The Bible – Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6 (New International Version)

As a Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus has the power to not only speak into our situations but also to resolve them.

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Jesus: Prince of Peace

One of the names given to Jesus is the Prince of Peace.  At Christmas time, these verses from Isaiah are often read at Carol services telling us about Jesus’ birth, years before he was born:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.’

The Bible – Isaiah chapter 9 verses 6-7 (New International Version)

But what does it mean? 

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