We can all agree that our emotions tend to shift and change really quickly. I guarantee that we’ve all had days where it feels like we experience every possible emotion under the sun. But what about the times where it feels like you’re almost “stuck” in an emotion? Like no matter what you do, you just can’t shake that one feeling or emotion, you’re just stuck in this “season” of sadness, depression, hurt, etc. The crazy part is it seems like we’re never caught in a season of joy, happiness, or excitement. So why is it always the negative emotions that tend to affect us the most?

In Ecclesiastes 3, King Solomon writes about how there is a season for everything. He even says there is, “a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance;” among many other things. Much of his writings are viewed as sad, and even sometimes downright depressing, but what if his writings are just misunderstood out of context? King Solomon had seen a lot in his life, and he definitely had earned the right to sulk and sit in his sadness (at least, according to the world’s standards). So his writings were probably just him staying in his “sad boy” phase and being all dark and gloomy, right?

What we often forget about King Solomon is that there is a reason he was the king. He had been chosen by God to rule! Which means there has to be something to learn from him and from his writings. The true meaning of the book of Ecclesiastes isn’t to be all dark and sad and depressing, but actually the opposite! King Solomon knew and understood that despite everything that happened to him, God would always be the one to be stable for him!

Our emotions will often end up being all over the place. King Solomon had a life that made his emotions span the entire spectrum! So how could he always come back to God? He had seen God move, trusted Him, and always came back to the words of God when he started to doubt. It’s important to understand the season that you’re in. Ask God for discernment and wisdom so that when our emotions begin to feel like they’re starting to control us, we can understand what’s happening and take control of them! Don’t just shove them down and “wait for them to pass.” It’s ok  to let them out with people you trust, who can help you through those difficult situations.

Questions:

1. Think about a time when you felt “stuck” in a certain emotion. What helped you move forward, or what do you think could have helped you in that moment?
2. King Solomon recognized that emotions and seasons of life change, but he always returned to God. What are some practical ways you can remind yourself of God’s stability when your emotions feel overwhelming?

Weekly Challenge:

At some point in the next few days, take time to recall 5 ways that God has proven His presence and His stability to you throughout your life.