When Emotions Are Messengers
As our insensitivity to our own feelings grows, our lives often begin leaking all kinds of negative emotions. Without even realizing it, we go about feeling frustrated, unappreciated, resentful, exploited, lonely, put upon, needy, angry, and acting in ways that let these negative emotions overflow toward others. If we were in touch with our feelings, these emotions could be moments of truth for us, warming us that we are heading for trouble. They could be the raw material for soul-searching and meditative exploration of what is going on in our lives. When we are out of touch with our hearts, however, we fail even to notice our feelings, much less to receive and act on their important messages.
—Francis Dorff,
The Journey from Misery to Ministry
Unacknowledged emotions don’t disappear—they leak. Francis Dorff reminds us that when we grow numb to our own hearts, we often find ourselves carrying—and spilling—frustration, loneliness, resentment, and anger into our relationships and routines. These emotions aren’t the enemy; they’re signals. They’re invitations from God to pause and listen, to search our souls and ask, What’s really going on beneath the surface?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or out of sorts today, don’t ignore it. Let your emotions become moments of truth—raw material for healing, not shame. Bring your tangled feelings before God in honesty, and ask Him to help you reconnect with your heart. He’s not afraid of what’s inside; in fact, that’s where He often begins His most transforming work. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics