So often we wear masks around others. We hide anxiety, anger, grief, and even love. We spend so much energy trying to appear “fine” that we leave little strength for the internal work God desires to do within us. Yet the beautiful truth of the Gospel is that God meets us exactly where we are.
Jesus was fully God and fully man. He experienced the depth of human emotion — sorrow, compassion, anger, joy, and grief. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Jesus understands our hearts because He walked among us.
David also modeled honesty before God throughout the Psalms. He expressed fear, despair, anger, celebration, and deep love for the Lord. Scripture shows us that emotions are not weakness; they are part of how God created us. The problem comes when we isolate ourselves and try to carry them alone.
Recently, I learned that the part of the brain associated with anxiety is also activated during worship. In a practical sense, this means we cannot fully worry and worship at the same time. What a gift from God. When anxious thoughts begin cycling, we can intentionally turn our hearts toward worship and refocus on Him. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
God can handle our anger. He comforts us in grief. He receives our love without rejection. As we keep our focus on Him, He teaches us how to love others well and walk in step with His Spirit.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for meeting me where I am today. Help me remove the masks I wear and be honest with You about my emotions. Teach me to worship instead of worry, to trust You with my anger and grief, and to walk confidently in Your love. Draw my heart closer to You so that I may reflect Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dawn Berry
Executive Assistant
