Feel Your Feelings

  

On her blog, “Love Songs to My Life,” Gloria Gather shared an interesting post from her friend, Kenna West. Kenna was sharing about a song from her childhood that made it possible for her to “feel my feelings” during turbulent years in her young life.

The phrase “feel my feelings” caught my mind and caused me to pause and remember turbulent times in my younger life. I believe it’s important to be able to express our feelings, let them out, in a good way, so that we can move forward and get past things that upset us.

I tried to recall the songs I clung to in difficult times as a non-believer, and then as a believer. But my memory just didn’t work well. I went through lists online and saw many titles I remembered but didn’t recognize words that had touched me. I'm just thankful there were songs I clung to during trying times in my life.

Since becoming a Christian, my comfort and release now comes from the Bible. Psalms provides an entire picture of happy and sad feelings, and how David and others got through them. I also find relief and comfort in hymns of old that tell the old, old story, and praise and worship songs that take us to the throne.

There are still songs written and sung today that we can relate to in sadness, praise and thanksgiving.

I encourage you to “feel your feelings” as you walk through each day and find Scripture, hymns and praise and worship songs that help you identify and overcome thoughts that keep you in bondage. Remember to choose songs that praise our Lord and God. For there is no other who understands your feelings but our Savior and God.

By His Grace . . . 

Slowing down

 

"Remind me that my worth is not measured by how much I accomplish, how well I perform, or how tirelessly I keep moving, but by the simple grace of abiding close to You with a trusting heart.” Daily Devotion

A friend sent me a post from Daily Devotion a few days ago, and the above words caught my attention. I’ve slowed down. Some because of my age. Some because of family caring responsibilities. And it took me awhile to accept that I wasn’t doing as much as I used to.

I've been adjusting to this new season for two years. I’m sure some of my friends are experiencing this also, as many are close to my age. I wonder if they are feeling the change that we go through in our senior years.

Everything takes longer. Everything is harder. My favorite expression is: “Why is this so hard?” It is amazing that everything you do is harder than it used to be. Everything.

Often it has caused me to feel like I’m not doing anything. If you are used to accomplishing a lot, it’s hard to accept that you just can’t do it anymore.

I was still accomplishing fine when I turned 75, but last year and this year, now at the age of 77, there's been a big difference. I was upset at the beginning, missing my ability to do more, but slowly I’ve accepted the reality and do my best to do what I can and forget about the rest.

Jesus is with us even in our senior years. He still thrills our souls. He still is within reach when we call. And He helps us adjust to this season in our lives.

One thing I do know. I abide close to my Savior, and I trust Him completely. I am worthy to Him because He loves me and continues to care for me even when “it’s too hard.”

Think about the words in the above quote, my older friends. Abide close to our Lord, and trust Him even though it is hard. You are worthy in His eyes. And that’s really all that counts.

By His Grace . . .