Emotions and Faith: You Have Permission to Feel
There are times when you’ve done everything you can, and yet, nothing seems to change. You’ve prayed, hoped, and waited—but your circumstances remain the same.
It’s frustrating.
One of the most complex emotions we often face is grief—a mixture of sadness, anger, anxiety, and even numbness. Navigating it can feel like a Herculean task. But here’s the good news: we don’t have to do it alone.
Throughout Scripture, we see men and women pouring out their hearts before God—David in the Psalms, Hannah in her longing, and Jesus Himself in the garden of Gethsemane. God welcomes our honesty, even when it’s raw and messy.
God Welcomes Your Honesty
Sister, rest today in this truth: you are allowed to feel what you feel.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
(Psalm 34:18, ESV)
Your pain does not disqualify you from God’s presence. Your doubts don’t push Him away. Your tears don’t make you less loved.
But while our feelings are real, Scripture reminds us not to pitch our tents in them. Paul writes:
“Be angry and do not sin.” (Ephesians 4:26)
Even David, who poured out his anxieties and heartbreak before the Lord, chose to exalt God above his feelings.
Our Emotions Are Invitations
Here’s the truth: our emotions are not enemies to be silenced but invitations to run into God’s presence.
He meets us in our pain, reminds us of His promises, and gently shifts our gaze from what we feel to what is eternally true. When we begin processing emotions biblically, we learn to filter what we feel through God’s Word instead of being ruled by it.
Even when nothing in our circumstances looks like it’s changing, we can trust that God is still at work. Finding comfort in Scripture helps us anchor ourselves in truth when our feelings threaten to overwhelm us. God’s promises remind us of who He is and what He’s doing—even when we can’t yet see it:
He is healing the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1)
He is setting captives free (Isaiah 61:1)
He is giving beauty for ashes (Isaiah 61:3)
He is pouring out the oil of joy for mourning (Isaiah 61:3)
He is leading us beside still waters (Psalm 23:2)
He is restoring our souls (Psalm 23:3)
Feelings Don’t Get the Final Say
Your emotions are real, but they don’t get the final word—God does.
When we allow ourselves to bring our whole, unfiltered hearts before Him, we discover the deep, unshakable truth that we are seen, loved, and held. God meets us in our grief, our anger, and our longing. His promises remain steady even in faith during hard times.
Reflection
Christian encouragement for women often reminds us that we don’t need to hide what we’re going through. Our emotions were never meant to be stuffed down or ignored. They are signals—gentle reminders of our need for God’s presence and promises. He doesn’t shame us for feeling deeply; instead, He uses those moments to draw us nearer to Him.
Prayer
Father, thank You for seeing me in every season—whether joyful or brokenhearted. Help me to bring my emotions honestly before You and to trust that You hold me close. Teach me not to be ruled by my feelings but to stand firm in Your Word and promises. Amen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re walking through a hard season, know this: your feelings are valid, but they don’t define you. God’s promises in pain are still true. When you turn to Him, you will find comfort, rest, and the strength to keep going.
Meet the Author
Deepshikha Seymour
Deepshikha is a passionate worshiper and creative who loves Jesus deeply. She finds joy in expressing her faith through words, art, and worship. Her heart beats to encourage others in their walk with God. Whether creating or praising, she seeks to glorify Christ in all she does.
