Honest Emotions - The One Year Daily Acts of Gratitude Devotional

Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.

“I’m so sad,” a dear friend admitted to me recently over the phone. We had been discussing a dream we were pursuing together, and things weren’t working out as we’d hoped.

“I am too,” I admitted, feeling relieved by her honesty that allowed me the opportunity to express the heaviness in my heart as well. “What should we do?” I asked.

“I have a few ideas,” she answered.

We spent the next hour brainstorming ways to keep pursuing our goals together while adjusting and shifting our next steps. I hung up, encouraged and grateful for a friend that I could be truthful with, not having to hide or diminish my feelings. And although nothing had changed—not yet anyway—simply being able to vent and then look for ways to improve our approach felt good because I knew I wasn’t alone in my discouragement.

Hiding harder emotions, especially disappointments, is something we often feel pressure to do. Statements like “It’s no big deal,” “I wasn’t that interested,” or “I’m fine” are all ways we try to dismiss letting others know when we’re sad or discouraged.

But God gave us our emotions, all of them. And to deny our feelings, especially the more troubling ones, is to deny what God has given us to feel as human beings. We’ve all had disappointment, pain, and sadness, and when we share it with others, they can help us carry our burden. It is what God wants us to do. We are to “be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” To do that, we have to be honest with one another about our joys but also our sorrows and disappointments. It’s not always comfortable, but once we take a chance and let others know how we’re feeling, it allows them the opportunity to show us support and offer comfort. And I am thankful that this is God’s heart for all of us.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Share a recent disappointment with a trusted friend and ask for their prayers. Express your gratitude to God for providing such a friend.