The first couple of years following Jesus was intensely emotional. I developed a habit of waking up at five to spend long quality time with Him. It was easy to do because the Holy Spirit woke me up faithfully and touched me every morning with intense comfort and strong presence of the Lord. It was like a tent revival literally every morning for almost two years! It was so awesome. Those encounters change people. 

I must’ve needed those intense feelings back then because now although I still wake up around five, it’s different because the emotions do not necessarily follow my time with the Lord. I’ve been contemplating why because frankly I miss the strong emotions. It’s not because I’m doing something wrong or not seeking God enough. I believe I’m simply maturing in Christ. Like an orphan that gets rescued from a life on the streets, the orphan needs lots of TLC at first. As the child becomes more secure and grows in the knowledge of love and acceptance from the adopted parents, the child should no longer need such close reassurance. I also realize that it’s not good to rely so much on feelings. Without the emotions, I have to exercise my faith muscles a lot more. I have to believe and hope in God’s word without the feelings. I don’t love this season, but I do understand why God allows this for our maturity sake. 

Don’t get me wrong, I still crave the emotional feelings. I think it’s important to have those intimate encounters regularly with Jesus to keep our first love going strong. Whenever I enter into group worship or group prayer, I always receive the emotional feelings. I think the Holy Spirit does this so that I will not neglect getting together with other believers. Whenever I go to such gatherings I am so refreshed. I encourage you to go! Don’t isolate yourself from the church or other believers. There’s spiritual anointing that gets released when we gather together in the name of Jesus. 

I thank the Holy Spirit for reaffirming what’s been happening to me lately and this topic that I’m prompted to share with you. I’m currently reading Rick Warren’s book, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’. Yesterday I read the chapter exactly on this same topic! It gave me more wisdom about this season. Please visit this link to read a brief summary (but I suggest you read the book): 

http://rickwarren.org/devotional/english/god-is-real-no-matter-how-you-feel_787

If you are also in this season please do not lose your hope and faith. Firmly grab hold onto the truths that God has revealed to you. It’s an opportunity to exercise your faith muscles and fill your mind with God’s word! God bless you! I’ll be praying for you, please pray for me too. -From the heart with love.