What God Tells Us About Feelings in the Bible
In our household, “big feelings” are pretty much the norm. What does God say about feelings in the Bible? Each one of us, from the littlest to the adults, experiences a wide range of emotions on any given day.
Living with big feelings isn’t always easy. There are days when it feels like we’re on an emotional rollercoaster.
But by leaning into God’s word and embracing the full spectrum of our emotions, we’re learning together how to navigate this colorful world of feelings in a way that honors who we are and who we’re meant to be.
Encouraging Verses about Feelings in the Bible
We’ve come to understand that these feelings aren’t just random; they’re part of what makes us human, reflections of being created in the image of God.
There’s this guiding principle we keep coming back to, something we’ve learned from Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin.” This verse has become a bit of a family motto. It reminds us that while our emotions are natural and not inherently bad, they shouldn’t push us to make choices we’ll regret.
Take, for example, the time when my kids were playing outside, and an argument broke out over a game. Tempers flared, and voices were raised. It was a typical sibling clash, fueled by big feelings.
Once things had calmed down, we sat together and talked it through. We discussed how it’s okay to feel angry when things don’t go our way, but that doesn’t mean we have to say or do things that hurt others.
It was a real-life moment to apply our family motto, transforming a typical backyard squabble into a lesson in managing emotions and making choices that reflect the love and respect we have for each other.
Alright, let’s dive into some verses that are like a warm hug for the soul, no matter what you’re feeling.
Whether you’re riding high on joy or trudging through the valley, there’s something in the Bible that speaks directly to your heart.
Feeling Anxious?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
It’s like saying, “Hey, it’s okay to feel this way, but let’s chat about it with God.” A gentle reminder that we’re not meant to carry our burdens alone.
Need Peace?
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” – John 14:27
Jesus is offering us a peace that’s not of this world, something solid and reassuring to hold onto when everything else feels shaky.
Looking for Joy?
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4
This is like a nudge in the side, reminding us that joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances but on our relationship with God.
Feeling Lonely or Forgotten?
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
A powerful declaration of God’s unwavering love for us, no matter how isolated we might feel.
In Need of Strength?
“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
A beautiful image of how our strength is renewed when we place our hope and trust in the Lord, allowing us to soar above our challenges.
Walking Through Tough Times?
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
A reminder that even in the darkest times, we’re not walking alone. God’s presence is a constant source of comfort and protection.
Battling Fear?
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
God’s promise is a beacon of strength, reminding us that fear has no hold on us when we embrace the spirit of power, love, and self-discipline He offers.
Overcoming Sadness?
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
In moments of deep sorrow, this verse wraps us in comfort, knowing that God holds close those who are heartbroken.
Seeking Patience?
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” – Ephesians 4:2
A gentle reminder that patience is woven from humility, gentleness, and love, traits that nurture our relationships and our own hearts.
Desiring Guidance?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
When crossroads appear, this verse encourages us to seek God’s guidance, assuring that He will lead us on the right path.
Craving Forgiveness?
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
A powerful reminder of God’s mercy, promising that when we come to Him with a repentant heart, He welcomes us with open arms and forgiveness.
Grabbing onto these verses is like having a toolbox for life’s ups and downs.
They remind us of the power of turning to God’s word for support, comfort, and a little pep talk whenever we need it. Whether it’s through memorization, posting them around your house, or just having them bookmarked, let these verses be your go-to for emotional support.
King David’s Big Feelings in the Bible
Diving into the Bible, it’s like opening a book filled with the most intricate human experiences.
Take King David, for instance—his life story is a canvas of emotions, from the peaks of joyous triumphs to the valleys of despair. His Psalms? They’re practically a masterclass in emotional intelligence, laying bare the soul of a man after God’s own heart.
David didn’t shy away from expressing it all. He showed us the righteousness of God through his songs of worship, and yet, he didn’t conceal his moments of fear, anger, or sorrow.
It’s a powerful reminder that feeling a wide range of emotions isn’t just part of being human—it’s also a part of being created in the image of God.
In his Psalms, we see the renewal of his mind, even in the midst of emotional turmoil. David sought the peace of God, finding solace in the everlasting love of the Lord during his hard times.
Whether he faced the wrath of his enemies or battled his own desires of the flesh, David’s prayers and songs often reflected a journey from deep sorrow to a place of hopeful restoration, all underpinned by his steadfast love for and trust in God.
David’s life teaches us that navigating our emotions in a healthy way doesn’t mean suppressing what we feel. Instead, it’s about laying our emotional pain, our fits of anger, and even our moments of joy and gratitude before God.
His story is a testament to the fact that strong emotions and a deep, abiding faith can coexist. By spending time in God’s presence—through prayer, meditation on His word, and even through the support of a trusted friend or an online women’s Bible study—we can navigate the complexities of our feelings.
We learn that while we may experience a wide range of emotions, from negative feelings to positive ones, what ultimately defines us is our response to them, guided by the will of God.
King David’s emotional journey across the Old Testament offers profound insights into God’s heart and His purpose for us as emotional beings.
It encourages us to view our own emotional experiences as opportunities for growth, spiritual deepening, and ultimately, as a way to draw closer to the love of the Father and the peace of Christ that rules in our hearts.
As we face our own valleys of the shadow of death or stand on the mountaintops of joy, let’s remember that every emotion we feel is a part of the grand, divine design, inviting us to explore the eternal weight of glory that awaits us in the kingdom of God.
Paul’s Practical Wisdom about Feelings
Diving into the Bible for guidance on emotions feels a bit like having a heart-to-heart with a wise friend.
The wisdom found within its pages, especially in the teachings of Apostle Paul, really gets down to the nitty-gritty of how to navigate our feelings in a way that honors God and maintains our inner peace.
First off, Paul’s a big advocate for not leaning on our own understanding. It’s like he’s saying, “Hey, I know you think you’ve got it all figured out, but there’s a bigger picture here.”
It’s a reminder that when we’re in the thick of strong emotions, our judgment can get clouded. Leaning into God’s thoughts and purposes can provide clarity and direction, moving us toward emotional balance and health.
Now, about handling those tough emotions—fear, anxiety, the works. Paul’s got some advice for that too. He talks about letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.
Imagine that peace as a calm, steady presence in the midst of a storm. It’s not about ignoring our feelings or pretending everything’s fine when it’s not.
It’s about finding a place of stability and calm within, knowing that Christ is with us in every up and down.
This peace isn’t just a one-and-done deal; it’s something we can cultivate. Spending time in prayer, reflecting on God’s word, and being part of a community that uplifts and supports each other can help embed this peace deeper into our hearts.
It acts as a remedy to the anxiety and fear that can so easily rattle us, reminding us that we’re not facing these challenges alone.
Practical steps can include journaling your thoughts and prayers, meditating on scripture that speaks to your current struggles, or having open, honest conversations with trusted friends or mentors about what you’re going through.
It’s about creating space to listen to God’s voice and allowing His peace to guide and comfort us.
In the midst of the whirlwind of emotions we all face, the Bible offers timeless wisdom that can help us navigate them with grace and strength.
By anchoring ourselves in God’s word and seeking His peace, we can face our feelings with faith and courage, knowing we’re supported every step of the way.
Jesus’s Wide Range of Emotions
When we contrast the anger of man with the righteousness of God, we’re invited into a profound exploration of how our feelings, if not guided by God’s truth, can veer us off course.
Jesus, embodying the perfect love and emotional intelligence of God, teaches us that while we may experience a wide range of emotions.
From the depths of deep sorrow to the heights of great joy, it’s our response to these emotions that defines our path forward.
For instance, Ephesians 4:26 advises us not to sin in our anger—a powerful reminder that while feeling angry is human, acting on it without reflection can lead us away from the path of righteousness.
This is where the renewal of your mind plays a crucial role. By immersing ourselves in God’s word and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we find the strength to transform our reactions and embrace the peace of God, even in hard times.
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the benchmarks of emotional health and spiritual maturity.
They represent not just the absence of negative emotions but the presence of godly virtues that healthily direct our emotional responses.
Jesus’ own life offers clear examples of handling emotions in a manner that aligns with God’s will.
From His compassionate healing and teachings to His moments of solitude in prayer, Jesus demonstrates the power of God’s presence in navigating human emotions.
Jesus showed us that experiencing emotions is an integral part of the human experience, yet how we channel these emotions can lead to growth, understanding, and the fulfillment of God’s purpose in our lives.
By spending time in prayer, reflecting on the word of God, and seeking the counsel of trusted friends or joining an online women’s Bible study, we take practical steps toward the renewal of our mind.
This spiritual practice doesn’t just mitigate the impact of negative feelings but enriches our lives with positive emotions, guiding us to see situations through God’s eyes rather than our own.
The Holy Spirit Helps Us Manage Emotions
The Holy Spirit, the very presence of God within us, plays a pivotal role in guiding us through emotional pain towards renewal, peace, and joy.
It’s like having a gentle wind beneath our wings, steering us towards emotional well-being and a life that reflects the love and peace of God.
The fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23, includes love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
These aren’t just lofty ideals but are tangible characteristics that grow within us through the nurturing of the Holy Spirit. Think of them as seeds planted in the fertile soil of our hearts, watered by the living waters of the Holy Spirit, gradually blossoming into beautiful expressions of God’s love in our lives.
When we’re faced with emotional pain, it’s the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit that can bring us solace and strength. It’s in those moments of surrender, when we invite the Holy Spirit to fill us, that we experience a profound renewal of our minds and hearts.
Peace and Joy
Moreover, the joy and peace we crave—especially during times of turmoil—are fruits of the Spirit that grow within us as we lean on His guidance.
This peace isn’t dependent on our external circumstances but is a deep-seated assurance that comes from knowing we are held in the righteous right hand of God, no matter what life throws our way.
Self-Control
Let’s also remember that the Holy Spirit empowers us to exhibit self-control in the face of strong emotions.
Instead of being swept away by the current of our feelings, we’re given the grace to respond in ways that honor God and reflect His love to those around us.
In essence, the Holy Spirit works within us to mold our character, helping us to reflect the image of God more clearly with each passing day.
As we yield to the Spirit’s leading, we find that the emotional intelligence and resilience we develop are not just for our benefit but also serve as a testament to God’s transforming power in our lives.
When you feel overwhelmed by your emotions, remember that you have the Holy Spirit as your guide and comforter.
Invite Him into your situation, and watch as He brings renewal, peace, and joy that surpasses all understanding, guiding you gently back to the love and peace of God.
Real Testimonies of Faith Overcoming Feelings
Through God’s presence, in prayer, and the shared space of an online women’s Bible study, they found just that.
Let me share a couple of heartwarming stories that you may be familiar with but are a true testament of faith overcoming feelings:
1. Brian Birdwell: A survivor of the 9/11 Pentagon attack, endured severe burns but found strength and purpose in his faith, leading to a career in public service as a testament to God’s grace and provision.
2. Bethany Hamilton: She lost her arm in a shark attack, and relied on her faith to overcome her physical and emotional challenges, returning to professional surfing and becoming an inspiration to many for her resilience and faith.
3. Annie Lobert: A survivor of sex trafficking, experienced profound emotional pain but found healing and redemption through faith. Her transformation led her to help others trapped in similar situations, showcasing the power of faith to restore and renew life.
Whether it’s through an online group or a quiet moment alone with your Bible and a cup of coffee, remember: faith has this incredible way of guiding us through the maze of our feelings.
Our faith can point us toward peace, healing, and an ever-deepening relationship with God.
Final Thoughts: What God Tells Us About Feelings in the Bible
Our emotions reflect our deepest inner workings and guide us toward spiritual depth and maturity.
Digging into the scriptures, we encounter a range of emotional expression, from David’s heartfelt psalms of lament and praise to Jesus’ compassionate interactions that embody God’s love and understanding.
By engaging with these biblical examples, we learn not only to acknowledge our feelings but also to navigate them in ways that draw us closer to God’s heart.
The process of reflecting on our emotions through the lens of scripture is transformative, renewing our minds and aligning our spirits with the truth of God’s word.
It calls us to lean into the guidance of the Holy Spirit, finding peace and solace during turmoil, and joy and gratitude in moments of blessing.
xoxo
