Psalms Managing Our Emotions Session 1 Introduction Joy

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions Session 1 – Introduction & Joy: A Time to Dance 12/27/2021 1

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions • Introduction: Thinking About Our Emotions • When the word emotion is mentioned, what comes to your mind (not your emotions yet). • When you think about your emotions, what comes to your mind? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC 12/27/2021 2

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions • Our Emotions are complicated and mysterious. • Many teaching regarding emotions emphasize that you can not trust them (emotions). • Have you ever seen this diagram, looking like a train: • FEELINGS……. FAITH…………. . FACTS • The idea is that you are supposed to let FACTS lead you to be closely followed by FAITH and eventually your FEELINGS will tag along. 12/27/2021 3

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions • When in fact a more accurate diagram of our FAITH FACTS AND FEELINGS should look like a triangle: • With our FAITH, FACTS, and FEELINGS separate, yet connected. 12/27/2021 4

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions • The range of our emotions can go from SPIRITUAL to SINFUL. • Let’s look at a definition: • Emotion – physical sensations combined with thoughts and beliefs about particular events and people. Unlike moods, emotions are focused on a particular person or thing. 12/27/2021 5

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions • The Book of Psalms and Emotions • The Psalms express emotions clearly • Psalms is the longest book in the Bible • Psalms is a unique book in that it shows us the way, and teaches us the importance and meaning of OUR relationship to God. • French Theologian – John Calvin called the Psalms – the anatomy of all parts of the soul 12/27/2021 6

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions 12/27/2021 • American Theologian – Walter Bruggerman divides the Psalms into three categories of which I also agree: • Psalms of Orientation – Life makes Sense • Psalms of Disorientation – Life doesn’t Make any Sense • Psalms or Reorientation – Life is starting to make sense 7

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions 12/27/2021 • Joy: A Time to Dance – Psalm 33: 122 • We tend to think that joy is conditional…IT IS NOT! • The Truth is that we can find joy in every circumstance, in every area of life, because joy stems from our knowledge of God’s work in the past, His plan for our present, and His power over our future. • Psalm 33 is a Song of Joy and a call to Worship • Question: How do you express your Joy? • At Home • At Church 8

• We find Joy by remembering God’s actions/work in our past…vv. 4 -9 Psalms: Managing Our Emotions 12/27/2021 • This Psalm mentions the power of God in their past, which gives cause to celebrate in ones present life and worship. • What has God done for you in your past that you are STILL thankful for? • Discussion: What do you think it means to find joy in God and not in your circumstances? 9

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions 12/27/2021 • We Find Joy by Looking for God’s Plan in the present – vv. 10 -15 • God weaves all of our life circumstances together to become a QUILT of life that accomplishes His purpose for us… • PROTECTION…. DESTRUCTIO N OF ENEMIES…. DELIVERANCE FROM SITUATIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES • Read Psalm 33: 11 – WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IS FOR YOU…regardless of what others say, do, or attempt to do to you! 10

Psalms: Managing Our Emotions 12/27/2021 • We find Joy by Anticipating God’s Mighty Power! – vv. 16 -22 • The Power of His Omnipotence – no one or nothing can stop Him from protecting, providing or delivering us! • The Power of His Unfailing, Unconditional Love in the midst of our own imperfect, conditional, and sometimes weak love and trust of God! 11