Thought for the week: In the season of Lent, we must increase our self-awareness

Emotions – we all have them. They are an important part of everyday life, for we are not just robots grinding our way through every day. Joy and sadness; happiness and disappointment; confidence and fear. The list is almost endless.
​Rev Dr Norman Hamilton OBE, Presbyterian Church​Rev Dr Norman Hamilton OBE, Presbyterian Church
​Rev Dr Norman Hamilton OBE, Presbyterian Church
By Rev Dr Norman Hamilton
Published 9th Mar 2024, 00:00 BST

Some, such as fear, are very important when facing imminent danger; others are to be expected as in the birth of a new baby; and others are inevitable when pain and distress come our way.

It is also important to remember that we are made in the image of God. Indeed, one writer has made the comment that God has a rich emotional life Himself. Just read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 or the call to respond to the Lord in John 3 – to say nothing of the offer of joy to us from Jesus Himself in John 15.

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There are also many darker emotions that we rarely, if ever, talk about, such as hatred, envy or greed, even though they are very common. Yet, these emotions are not hidden from us in the Bible, for it is very important that everyday life is on display so that we can see how God deals with human weakness.

Emotions are an important part of everyday life, writes ​Rev Dr Norman HamiltonEmotions are an important part of everyday life, writes ​Rev Dr Norman Hamilton
Emotions are an important part of everyday life, writes ​Rev Dr Norman Hamilton

For example, we read in Psalm 139 that David had ‘nothing but hatred’ for those who hated God Himself. In the New Testament, James tells us that "where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice".

And the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians describes greed as "dolatry".

As ever, Scripture gives very clear guidance when ‘bad’ or destructive emotions well up in us. I suggest that it sets out two key, and inter-related, principles. The first is the need to be constantly on guard, for (as Peter puts it) we are told to "be alert and of sober mind".

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Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. There can be little doubt that when destructive emotions take over, wisdom and good judgement go out the door. We become very vulnerable to thinking and doing things that we may well come to regret later, and that are deeply dishonouring to God Himself.

The second principle is that of self-control. Again, the Bible puts the need for this beautifully: Proverbs 25:28: "Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control". When walls are broken down, anything can get in! Beware any lack of self-control!

In conclusion, might I urge you to take a little time to ask yourself what are the main emotions that come your way, and how you handle them. And then, in the light of being self-aware, ask for the Lord’s help in handling all of them properly – to enhance those that are good, and to face down those that are destructive. This is the season of Lent – no better time to increase our self-awareness.