Five Biblical Ways to Handle Your Negative Emotions
Anger.
Grief.
Mistrust.
Horror.
That’s just a brief list of the array of negative emotions that I’ve found as I’ve recorded them in a read through Psalms. I’m only half way through, and I’ve listed one-hundred-twenty-one emotions! Skeptical? Here’s photo of one of my journal pages. (I’m doing them alphabetically and noting the first mention of each so that I can keep track. Notice some that you think aren’t emotions? I know. Sometimes it’s hard to tell, but I decided since it’s my list I can count the ones that I think count. I keep reminding myself that nobody will be grading it. Lol!)
I’ll continue this practice which I mention in today’s devotion, “The Solution for the Problem of Messy Emotions,” until I get all the way to the end. Then, I’ll report back with my final tally. I’d love to hear your guesses for the total!
As I dive deep into the emotions that God includes in His Word, this is what I know for sure…
God is the One who ultimately handles and heals our negative emotions, but there are five biblical ways that we can join Him in the work. Click on the graphic below to download and print a copy to consider. I’d love to hear other practices that you’d add to the list!
Free Download for You
Let’s Stay Connected
If you’ve enjoyed today’s devotion and resource, I’ve got two more blog posts coming to help with our emotions:
- February 10th– What to Do When Boundaries Feel Bad
- February 24th– How to Speak Up So that You Don’t Make Others Feel Bad (lessons learned from a raw recent failure!)
I’d love for you to join me for these. You can receive them in your Inbox along with a free devotional gift, “The Anatomy of a Tender Heart,” by scrolling down and entering your email in the navy blue box below.
It is such a beautiful way how you showed to deal with our negative emotions. We have always been taught to not discuss our emotions but reading this with scriptures has opened up a new avenue for me and I know for others as well. God bless you
Thank you, Vijay! I’m so glad I have friends on this journey with me.
Thank you for addressing this topic! I’m going through this right now. This helped me realize my sin in withdrawing (punishing the offender), which is my go-to reaction. I need to talk to this person but I don’t know how to be truthful without being hurtful. Thank you for these resources.
“Ghosting” has been my go-to protective measure. I’m so glad we’re learning to lean into love together!
I’d like to join for the upcoming pod casts.
I’d love for you to join me! Please enter your email address in the navy section at the bottom of this page: https://amycarroll.org/blog/
I took a lead roll at my work. My “friends” turned to not. I have been in this roll for 3 1/2 yrs. I never wanted a lead roll because I am a follower, but after turning it down three times, I felt the Lord leading me to take the position. I try not to worry about what people say or think about me as long as I am doing my best for the Lord, but it is so hard, uncomfortable, and very hurtful. I need help with my emotions. I want to let them go and do the job the Lord wants me to do. Thank you!
Tonya, I’m sorry that you’re in such a painful season at work. I empathize with your hurt. I’m also thinking about how Jesus also had turmoil with his friends, so I know He understands fully as well. I’m praying for healing right now.
Wow!!! I came across your blog while reading tonight and what a blessing. I have been trying to “deal “ with my emotions by denying that I should have any emotion except love, joy and happiness (as a Christian). I am gonna start reading the book of PSALM again! I never read it that way and that brings me HOPE (giving them to JESUS) as well as ACCEPTANCE ( journaling-talking to God about it). I appreciate your point of view and sharing <3
I’m so thankful that the post was helpful to you, Debbie. I can tell we’re cut from the same cloth, wanting to please God by keeping all things up beat. We’re on a journey toward great emotional maturity and health as we process our negative feelings with Him!
Amy,
I was called to read this during my quiet time this morning. I’ve always worn my emotions on my sleeve but rarely processed them maturely. With 5 children that wasn’t a priority. A year ago my husband of 37 years asked me to deny Jesus to study how to be a Noahide. I had just spent a successful 3 month season of empty nesting and was feeling quite accomplished as well as excited for “our” new journey. Of course that request was impossible. He moved out and moved on with a person who was close to the age of our oldest child. After a few months of him opting out of our marriage I sought divorce which was devastating. Needless to say the range of emotions have been glaring. This devotion is incredible and I praise God for the work He has encouraged you to do. I am certainly one of the beneficiaries of that and will continue to learn how to lean on him for my much needed growth in becoming emotionally mature which will open avenues for me to do the work He intended for me. I am so grateful.
Lisa, I teared up reading your post. I hear the pain, and I’m thankful that what I’m learning helped you see a way toward healing. I’m praying for you now, dear one. Please be kind to yourself and prayerfully consider Christian counseling. It is currently the gift I’m giving to myself!
I have been on a journey to emotional maturity for the last two years and appreciate all the biblical wisdom I can get.
I’m thankful we’re on this journey together!
Can’t wait to hear about boundaries ‼️
I’m still very much in process, but I can’t wait to share what I’m learning.
good read
Thank you, Jessie!
Thank you for the download
You’re so welcome!
You’re so very welcome! 🙂
I enjoyed your free download of how to deal with negative emotions.
That makes me happy!
I’m so glad it’s helpful, Shannon!
I see a new book in the works….☺️ Such a good idea to write them down like that – it does give a whole new view. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks for the encouragement, Gabriela! It makes me cry thinking about writing a book about emotions. Lol!
Thank you very much needed this.
I’m grateful it was helpful.
Thank you for helping us learn to handle our emotions.
Thank YOU for encouraging me and visiting here today.
It is a struggle for me to feel my feelings. I always go in my head to figure it out or try to find a solution, instead of just letting the feelings be felt. I love that we can take all of our raw emotions to Jesus. I appreciate today’s devotion. Thank you!
I understand. It’s painful, hard word to grow in this area, but it’s so worth it.
I tend towards keeping my emotions buried deep within, whether it’s sadness, disappointment, etc. But I’m learning to take it to God in prayer and to just fully release to Him what I’m feeling. Thank you for sharing this devotional!
I’m so glad we’re on this journey together!
Amy, I’m a hot mess of emotions quite often. My family and I survived a horrific tornado that ripped through our community on December 10. It was the most terrifying experience and I remember pulling out my bible that I had packed in my “my most precious possessions” bag while trying to process the extent of damage in the aftermath of the storm. The Lord directed me to Psalm 91 and reminded me that He was and is my Refuge as well as my Protector. Since then, emotions continue to try and numb me as I see all the destruction around. It’s a daily struggle to remember and put on that helmet of salvation to protect my mind from all the lies the enemy tries to lead me to believe.
Thank for being transparent and for the work you are doing to guide others to a closer walk with the Lord!
Oh, Carla. I cried when I read your comment. Of course you’re struggling with emotions. You’ve suffered such a loss! I’m praying that Jesus’ empathy surrounds you like a warm blanket and that He is your provider for all of your physical needs. My heart and prayers are with you as you grieve.
Happy Friday Amy. I have been dealing with the affects of having COVID, and I must admit, this has taken a toll on many emotional feelings within me, but I know God has been with me every step of the way healing me and giving me encouragement to stay the course, and trust Him ultimate plan for me. God bless you in your ministry work. ❤ Mary
Mary, I’m praying for healing and strength for you now. Sickness makes our negative feelings even more of a struggle, so be gentle with yourself. Jesus empathizes with you.
Thank you! Have just discovered you through Proverbs31 Ministries daily devotions.
I’m so glad you’re here, Christie!
Thank you for this devotional. I have swallowed my emotions for so long I have no idea how to handle them. However, lately it feels like I am going to burst.
Carol, I feel the pain in your comment, and I’ve been there. I hope the handout helps you start expressing those pent up feelings in healthy ways. It hurts so much at first, but healing follows!
Thank you for this. I needed this very much.
I’m so thankful it was helpful to you, Teri.
Love this today! This has been me and I’ve been able to work through so much always being a stuffer. I’ve also been reading a psalm a day which keeps my eyes on the Lord. Thank you for sharing and making me feel I’m not alone and taking it to God is comforting to say the least!
I’m so glad we’re traveling this road together, Carol. It’s so much easier with companions.
Thank you! So timely!!
You’re so very welcome! 🙂
A timely reminder that God is truly the One, the only One, who can heal our negative emotions – thank you 🙂
You’re so very welcome! 🙂
Thank you for sharing.
You’re so very welcome! 🙂
Thank you
You’re so very welcome! 🙂
Look forward to reading your blogs. Thank you for sharing! God Bless,
Suzi
I’m happy that you’ve joined the community. Welcome!
Thank you for being so open and vulnerable, sharing your journey. My therapist told me to “ sit in my feelings “ too, and I struggled to understand what that meant. I am definitely a “ doer/ helper “ for others, and I don’t take time to take care of myself. I am going to start the psalm study as your are doing, God hinted that to me just last night.
Wow. I can’t wait to hear what you learn. Please share with me when you’ve read for a bit!
Thanks for your blog, Amy! Very insightful and full of wisdom!
You’re so very welcome! 🙂
Please include me. This is an important topic. Thank you.
Thank you for the list of biblical ways to deal with negative emotions. Look forward to your other posts.
Thank you for your blog…
Really needed this!
I would like more!!!
Looking forward to you next blog posts.
Looking forward to reading these future posts too. Thank you for sharing your story.
Just what I need! God’s timing is always perfect
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. Cant wait to read the upcoming posts in February.
Sounds good!
I look forward to your other 2 blogs that are to come.
I love to read your blogs. Thanks for keeping it real, and for putting into words what many of us are dealing with yet unable to express. Barb
Thank you for sharing this. Our emotions can sometimes get the best of us! This is so needed ! We think we can handle on our own. Truth be told only with the help of God! Thank you I so needed this information!