Emotions: Dealing with Feelings

Big Idea

Emotions influence how we live and interact with each other. The choices we make, the actions we take, and the perceptions we have are all influenced by the emotions we ex-perience at any given moment.

Emotions are a gift from God, but because of our sinful hearts, they can be dangerous. When we let our emotions take over, we tend to forget that God is in control of all things. The truth is this: God is with us in and through all things. Nothing surprises Him, and nothing is impossible with Him.

In this series, we’ll examine how five core emotions (grief, joy, anxiety, anger, and depression) are portrayed in Scripture. And, through these stories, we’ll learn how God is with us through all emotions and situations.

Series Breakdown

April 25, 2022: God & Grief

On the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, a group of disciples walked together on the road to Emmaus. They were completely lost in the grief of losing their leader, their lives shat-tered because they had yet to see the promise of the resurrection fulfilled. Even before they realize it, Jesus walks alongside them, opens the Scriptures to them, and they see him in and through God’s Word.

When we find ourselves lost in grief, wandering aimlessly and unsure of where our steps will take up, God comes to us in His Word to guide us back to Him. Even at the deepest stages of grief, God is with us.
Pastor: Bill Limmer
Sermon Text: Luke 24:13-35

May 1, 2022: God & Joy (Confirmation Sunday)

The book of Philippians is all about finding joy and contentment in whatever circum-stance you find yourself. It’s even more powerful when you realize that Paul, the author, brings this message of joy even though he wrote this book from prison. Through his Spirit-inspired words, we learn that we can find joy in all situations, no matter how tough.

On this Confirmation Sunday, we rejoice as young adults in our congregation confirm their beliefs in Jesus and become members at Victory. Faith is easier when you’re feeling joyful. Things won’t always be easy. but Jesus will be your joy through it all.

Pastor: Ben Sadler
Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4-9

May 8, 2022: God & Anxiety (Mother’s Day)

In Luke 10, we hear the famous story of Mary and Martha. When Jesus arrives for dinner, Martha has a list a mile long of things to prepare for a supper with her Savior. Understandably, she gets frustrated with her sister Mary as she “sits around” rather than helping. Jesus gently teaches Martha that taking time with Him is the right thing to do.

Like Martha, moms have a to-do list a mile and a half long, and it seems to never grow shorter no matter how much they do. But even worse are the doubts, fears, apprehension, and memories of mistakes that can lurk in every corner of their minds. But remember who God says you are, remember what He says He will do, remember God has defeated Satan and that God will give you His strength.

Pastor: Bill Limmer
Sermon Text: Luke 10:38-42

May 15, 2022: God & Anger

As he and his people wander the desert, Moses is tired. The walking is exhausting, but even worse is the constant complaining from his people. They don’t trust that the God who rescued them from the Egyptians and parted the Red Sea for them would provide for them as they journeyed to the Promised Land. And so, when God tells Moses to speak to the rock to provide water to the Israelites, Moses’ trust faltered. His anger bubbled over and, instead, he smacks the rock with his staff. God still provides water, but Moses lost an opportunity to demonstrate trust in God.

Relationships sometimes get messy. God teaches us that while we cannot control what other people do and think, we can control what we do and think. Anger leads us to lose blessings. When we lose our tempers, we often lose a whole lot more.

Pastor: Ben Sadler
Sermon Text: Numbers 20:1-12

May 22, 2022: Personal Witnessing (Guest Preacher)

Pastor Matt Doebler, missionary in southeast Asia, will share a message about how each of us can share Jesus with those around us in powerful, meaningful ways.

Pastor: Matt Doebler
Sermon Text: TBD

May 29, 2022: God & Depression (Memorial Day Weekend)

Elijah has just experienced God at work in a great victory over the prophets of Baal. But he soon despairs of his own life. As he flees from Jezebel after a great victory, he feels lonely, isolated, and fearful. He wants to die. In this difficult time of depression, God strengthens and refreshes Elijah with the truth.

When you struggle with depression, it can seem like nothing will ever get better. You feel alone, isolated, and afraid. But through the support of counselors, friends, and your Savior, you can come out on the other side of depression.

Pastor: Ben Sadler
Sermon Text: 1 Kings 19:1-9