Name That Emotion!

Studying the Psalms over the summer has taught me that their writers such as David, Asaph, and the Sons of Korah, named their emotions openly and honestly before God, asking Him for help. Their example challenged me to do the same through prayer and journaling. Though difficult, this practice has strengthened my walk with God and my relationships.

I once avoided a conversation because I felt hurt and offended without realizing it. That day’s devotional led me to 1 Corinthians 13:11 and then to a passage about love. Convicted by the Holy Spirit, I wept and released the offense. On the other side, I found God’s grace, forgiveness, and breakthrough. I had to name the emotion and pray through it.

Emotions are raw, and facing them can be painful and liberating at the same time. Although emotions can be positive or negative, I want to focus on the difficult ones we sometimes experience. Our emotions are honest, yet we are not always willing to name them for what they are. We can sometimes become trapped in a cycle of hurt and self-pity. Difficult emotions can be frightening to confront, much less name, but growing in our walk with the Lord requires greater honesty with ourselves and with Him.

What emotion are you feeling right now? Is it disappointment, offense, guilt, anger, anxiety, or even rejection? Whatever it is, name it and begin working through it.

Disappointment: Disappointment often grows from unmet expectations. Sometimes we place expectations on people they cannot fulfill because they simply don’t have the capacity to do so. (Psalm 42:11; Psalm 31)

Hurt and offense: We become hurt and it grows into offense. We hate to admit that we are offended. Don’t rehearse the hurt, name the offense, and ask the Lord to help you work through it. (Psalm 55; Psalm 41:9)

Guilt: Perhaps you feel terrible about a mistake, and the guilt is consuming you. I pray that, one day soon, you will learn to forgive yourself. (Psalm 38:4; Psalm 69:6-7)

Anger: We all become angry, but when the anger is unchecked, sin comes in. Be careful that anger isn’t the managing your life. (Psalm 4:4)

Anxiety: In my experience, the things we are usually anxious about are the things God has already taken care of. Learn to trust Him a little bit more. (Psalm 94:19)

Rejection: Rejection hurts most when it comes from those we are closest to. Sadly, even Jesus was rejected. (Psalm 27:10)

I encourage you to become completely vulnerable with yourself and with God. He understands. The One who created you knows every emotion you carry. Each time I named my emotions and released them to the Lord, He gave me the grace to grow through it.

Daughters of Fire, the Lord is waiting for you to come to Him. There is something on the other side of what you are feeling. Holding on may make you feel justified, but letting go brings far greater peace.

May you experience healing and restoration so that your alabaster box of worship can be poured upon the feet of Jesus. May your oil be purified, your anointing strengthened, and the Lord’s glory rest upon you as never before.

I love you, but Jesus loves you so much more!