Riding Out the Emotional Rollercoaster

Life on the Pasture

There was a time in my life when I used to love riding rollercoasters. I would often sit in the first row so no one blocked my view of what was coming next. If it was a steep drop, bring it on. A corkscrew taking me upside down? Let’s go.

I doubt that many are enjoying the emotional rollercoaster we are on now. Families are trying to figure out online school. People who are in care centers or hospitals are unable to be visited. Weddings and funerals if they are taking place are done so with very few present. Business owners are wondering what will happen to what they’ve worked so hard to achieve and what they will say to employees whom they must let go. Those who go paycheck to paycheck are fearful of how they will survive.

I must admit that I have gone from moments of anger at politicians who seem more concerned about winning elections and a media that is sensationalizing things, to concern about making sure that bills are paid, to fear about loved ones in at-risk categories getting the virus, to sorrow over people who are going through some very serious issues yet forgotten about because of all the talk about COVID-19, to sadness over those looking forward to participating in spring sports and graduation, to weariness and wishing it were all a dream.

That didn’t sound very positive, did it?

There are positive emotions as well. There is an even greater thankfulness for a wonderful spouse, family, friends and congregation that I am privileged to serve. There is added joy in having more family time. There is happiness in the house and possessions with which I have been blessed. There is gratefulness for the health I enjoy.

And there is peace in Jesus.

A few weeks ago, I mentioned in a sermon that when Jesus greeted the disciples on Easter night when they were behind locked doors because of their fear, Jesus did not say, “Don’t be afraid.” Rather, as we read in John 20:19-20, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

And that’s how I’ve been able to ride out the emotional rollercoaster. I’ve been seeing and hearing Jesus each day through time in the Word. I’ve been talking with Him in prayer. I’ve been riding the rollercoaster with Him.

And when the ride is over, I’ll not leave Him there but continue to walk with Him as a stronger, more mature Christian who has learned more about trust and finding peace and joy with Him.

– Pastor Schmidt