Do Christians carry more emotional stress than non-Christians do?

It's a good question from Amanda, a 24-year-old listener to the podcast who writes in.

Pastor John, thank you for this podcast.

Do you think Christians feel more than unbelievers?

Before I became a Christian, my life was challenging, of course, but I almost seemed to be numb

or uncaring towards sin upon becoming a Christian.

And as I continue to learn more and more about the faith, I'm finding my emotions growing

stronger and stronger.

Right now, I'm walking through a season of loneliness because I no longer date unbelievers.

Now I feel like I have almost too much empathy because others pain and troubles bring me to

tears.

My chest becomes heavy and my soul aches as I wrestle through so many life questions.

I guess you could say God is molding me, which I'm eternally grateful for, but it has

taken a toll on me too.

I've been encouraged to hear that a number of great Christians experience great emotional

stress and struggle, even David and Psalms, but it's almost paralyzing for me at times.

Is this normal?

As Christians were called to have faith, confidence and Christ, and be filled with a joyful spirit,

but now I find my spirit to be often heavy.

I guess you could say my prayer life lately sounds like Psalm 88.

Pastor John, how would you counsel Amanda?

Well, this is a wonderful question to receive.

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