Have you ever found yourself speechless, filled with awe, or overwhelmed by confusion? These moments, whether sparked by breathtaking views or unexpected life twists, can lead us to profound emotional experiences. In our recent sermon series, “Atlas of the Heart,” we explored how emotions like awe, wonder, confusion, curiosity, and surprise can be emotions that lead to God. Let’s dive into how these emotions lead to God
Awe and Wonder: Recognizing God’s Grandeur
When was the last time you felt awe? Perhaps it was gazing at a star-filled sky or witnessing the birth of a child. Such moments of awe and wonder often arise when we encounter something beyond our understanding, leading us to recognize God’s presence.
The Bible provides an excellent example in Ezekiel, who, at 30 years old, experienced a vision of God that astonished him for seven days (Ezekiel 1:1-28). This powerful encounter deepened his understanding of God’s glory.
“Then I came to the colony of Judean exiles in Tel-abib, beside the Kebar River. I was overwhelmed and sat among them for seven days.” – Ezekiel
Next time you feel awe, pause to acknowledge God’s presence. Let it lead you to gratitude and worship. Remember Psalm 19:1-4: “The heavens declare the glory of God.” These moments are divine invitations to see Him more clearly.
Confusion: An Opportunity for Growth
Confusion is when a current understanding or held belief is being challenged by a new experience or understanding. It can definitely feel unsettling at times, particularly when it challenges our beliefs. However, research shows that confusion is essential for learning. Jesus often used confusion to teach profound truths, as seen in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Multiple times Jesus confronted a previous held belief of his listeners and challenged them to consider something new and better.
When you find yourself confused, lean into it. Use confusion as a springboard for growth. Don’t shy away from questioning; instead, let it deepen your faith and understanding.
Curiosity: The Drive to Discover
Curiosity is a powerful motivator—it’s the drive to fill the gaps in our knowledge. Unlike mere interest, which fades quickly, curiosity compels us to seek answers and explore new territories in our faith.
Embrace your curiosity. Let it lead you to new learnings and deeper relationships with God. Proverbs 25:2 reminds us, “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” Keep asking, seeking, and knocking, as Jesus encourages in Matthew 7:7.
“Choosing to be curious is choosing to be vulnerable because it requires us to surrender to uncertainty. We have to ask questions, admit to not knowing, risk being told that we shouldn’t be asking, and sometimes, make discoveries that lead to discomfort.”
– Brené Brown
Surprise and Unexpectedness: Amplifying Emotions
Surprise is a fleeting emotion that bridges cognition and feeling, amplifying subsequent emotions and making moments memorable. For example, the women who discovered Jesus’ empty tomb experienced amplified joy and awe (Matthew 28:8-9) by the surprise of Jesus’ resurrection.
Embrace life’s surprises as opportunities for joy and wonder. Let these unexpected moments remind you of God’s love and presence in your life.
Books I Enjoyed on this Topic:
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality – Peter Scazzero
Atlas of the Heart – Brene Brown
(Amazon Affiliate links)
Conclusion: Emotions that Lead to God
God has gifted us with emotions to draw us closer to Him. Awe, wonder, confusion, curiosity, and surprise are all invitations to recognize His hand in our lives and grow in our faith.
What will you do this week to embrace these emotions? Will you take a moment to worship in awe, seek answers in your confusion, or explore new truths with curiosity?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the emotions that draw us closer to You. Help us to recognize Your presence in awe, wonder, confusion, curiosity, and surprise. Guide us to respond in ways that deepen our faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.