Shame in Feeling

Why is it that behind every deep or passionate emotion, there is a sense of shame? Why are we not able to feel deeply and at the same time feel proud that God has made us to be emotional beings? Our emotions are what connect us to others in a meaningful way and they teach us more about ourselves. What is the shame in that? I want my emotions to be pleasing to the Lord.  However, feeling a deep emotion and then pretending as though it does not exist within our being is dishonesty and I do not think that God looks highly on that sort of demeanor.  I am not saying that all of our deep felt emotions need to be acted upon.  For instance, being extremely angry could lead one to murder, or feeling as though you are deeply in love with someone could lead one to having sex prematurely.  Both of these acts would be wrong.  However, it doesn't mean that you don't feel angry, or don't feel love for another.  The devil has turned our emotions on us. Has made them into something shameful by associating them with sin.  To feel freely, even negative emotions is a gift from God. To feel- is to be human.

When I'm Oblivious

I've found that God tends to do His own work in my life and in the lives of others when I am most oblivious, or when I stop trying.  It's in the moments where I am not focused on myself and what I could be doing in a given circumstance, that God's love is so evident.  Perhaps He waits for me and my humanness to get out of the way before He decides that He can now use me in a given situation.  After thinking about it, I decided that it's actually more of a blessing this way.  If God used us in extraordinary ways when we were trying to do extraordinary things, then we would have the curse of pride stepping in and claiming that the victory was our own and not of God.  It's the fall of man that causes us to think about ourselves over the One who created us.  If I pray to God asking for provision and guidance and then stop trying to create it on my own, His provision and guidance will most definitely come.  However, it cannot be on my account! It must fully be an act of His will and ultimate plan.  Perhaps it is our responsibility to take the back seat and just go along for the ride knowing that we're not driving the car, but happy that we are able to see where we're going and be apart of the experience! We must become like children.  Knowing that we are inept to provide for ourselves and do not have the wisdom and maturity to see beyond our circumstance.  We must enter into this relationship with God in humility.  Knowing that He, Himself is all we need to know, and that everything else will fall into place in due time.