Inside Out: Finding Joy in the Middle of the Mess

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Feel all the feels — but let joy lead.

This week’s At the Movies devotional explores Inside Out 2 and the powerful truth that our emotions don’t define us — God does. From anxiety to joy, each feeling has a purpose, but only one identity matters: the one rooted in Christ.

🌀 Come process the mess with us and find peace in the One who already knows your heart.

Life can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—twists of anxiety, dips of embarrassment, and those unexpected turns of boredom and fear. Inside Out 2 beautifully captures this whirlwind and reminds us that every emotion has a voice, a purpose, and a place at the console of our hearts.

In the movie, Joy fights to stay in control while Anxiety storms in like a tornado. Isn’t that real life? We want joy to lead, but anxiety often tries to take over. What we learn, though, is profound: core memories shape our beliefs, and our beliefs form our sense of identity. And for the Christian, our core isn't built on feelings—it's built on truth.

🕊 God created our emotions, both the highs and the lows. They are tools—not tyrants. Emotions like boredom, embarrassment, and yes, even anxiety, can teach us, refine us, and ultimately point us back to the One who created us.

Scripture reminds us:

“Count it all joy… when you meet trials of various kinds…” – James 1:2-4
“Though now for a little while you may have had to suffer… these trials will show that your faith is genuine.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7

In the chaos of emotion, joy is not naïve—it’s powerful. It’s not pretending everything’s fine. It’s choosing to trust the promises of God in the middle of the mess. Psalm 94:19 tells us:

“When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.”

We don’t ignore emotions. We don’t let them rule either. Instead, we submit them at the foot of the cross. Because the One who made us has already decided our identity—and no emotion can rewrite that.

🎬 So the next time your inner console feels crowded, remember:
Joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a weapon. A light. A testimony.