Mind Your Emotions:
Every emotion that you are feeling, whether it’s sorrow, joy, fear, or so on, should be brought to Heavenly Father in prayer.
It’s been determined that there’s an almost unknown number of distinct human emotions, but in this blog, I’m only going to talk about the most common emotions that we experience almost on a daily basis.
Scriptures from the KJV and NIV
Pray Every Emotion: A Biblical Call to Bring It All to God
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
We experience a wide range of emotions every day. Some we welcome, and others we would rather avoid. While psychology has identified hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of emotional variations, today we’ll reflect on eight of the most common human emotions: sadness, joy, anticipation, trust, disgust, surprise, anger, and fear. Scripture reminds us to bring everything to HIM, not just our praise or pain, but every feeling, before our Heavenly Father in prayer.
Why is this so important? Because God understands them all.
Let’s take a closer look at each emotion and see how members of the Trinity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—have responded to or expressed understanding of these same feelings in Scripture.
Our emotions are real, valid, and deeply understood by God, but they are not meant to be carried alone. God’s Word not only acknowledges our emotions, it promises comfort, presence, and eventual relief.
Sadness ~ When the Tears Just Won’t Stop
Sadness comes in many forms. Sometimes it’s quiet and lingers in the background, and other times it crashes in and leaves us breathless. There have been moments when I didn’t even know why my heart felt so heavy—only that it did, as if a storm cloud had settled inside my chest, dark and unyielding, pressing down with a weight I couldn’t explain. In those moments, I’d quietly ask, ‘Why, Lord?’, not in anger, but in longing, hoping He’d help me understand. And though the answer didn’t always come right away, His presence did. A gentle peace settled into my heart and mind, reminding me that the cloud would pass, and light would break through again. You may feel lonely, overwhelmed, or just deeply tired inside. But here’s what comforts me most: God understands sadness. Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of a friend. He knows the sting of grief, the ache of betrayal, the weight of human sorrow. And He invites us to come to Him with it all.
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 (KJV)
Jesus, the Son of God, wept over the death of Lazarus, even though He was about to raise him from the dead. His compassion was sincere and personal. The Father does not turn away from our sadness. He enters into it with us.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you 1 Peter 5:6-7
God keeps His promises. And even in the middle of sadness, we can keep our eyes on Jesus, knowing we’re headed toward a future that’s brighter than we can imagine.
Sadness might feel like darkness, but remember:
God is light, and in him is no darkness at all 1 John 1:5
There are moments when sorrow sweeps over us like a storm. Grief, disappointment, and mourning are very real. God does not ask us to ignore or suppress these feelings.
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” Isaiah 53:3
This prophecy of Jesus shows the suffering Savior who understands deep sorrow.
Joy ~ That Sweet, Deep Gladness
Joy is the emotion we crave. It’s the one we chase through laughter, celebrations, and good news. But let’s be honest: so much of what the world calls joy is really just temporary happiness. A new car, a vacation, a shopping trip—it all fades. That kind of joy needs constant replacement.
But real joy? It lasts. It’s rooted in the Spirit of God. And God, who created joy, understands how our hearts are wired for it. He even sings over us with joy.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full John 16:24
Jesus understands joy at its deepest level. He rejoiced in the Father’s will, in the salvation of sinners, and in the beauty of obedience. His joy was never tied to comfort or circumstance—and neither is ours.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful Matthew 13:22
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other… Ye cannot serve God and mammon Matthew 6:24
Let’s be people who grow in joy—not through possessions, but through the presence of God. His joy strengthens us for every single day.
Joy is more than happiness. It’s a deep and abiding sense of well-being, often rooted in the presence and promises of God.
“These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” John 15:11 (KJV)
Jesus desires for His joy to live in us. God is not only present in our sorrow, but He also delights with us in our moments of gladness.
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“The Lord your God is with you… He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17
God the Father is portrayed as singing with joy over His children.
Anticipation ~ When We’re Longing for Something Good
There’s something beautiful about anticipation. It’s that little flutter of the heart when we’re waiting for something good—a reunion, an answered prayer, a fresh start. But sometimes the waiting gets long. Sometimes our hope starts to waver.
God understands that feeling. Jesus waited too. He waited for His time to be revealed, for His resurrection to be fulfilled, and now He waits for the day He will return to gather His people. He knows what it is to live with hope in a broken world.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope Timothy 1:1
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Titus 2:13
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer
Romans 12:12
It’s okay to hope for things here on earth. But we must remember that our deepest hope must rest in Christ alone. When we place all our expectations in earthly things, our hearts can end up sick with disappointment.
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life Proverbs 13:12
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you 1 Peter 1:3-4
Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him 1 Corinthians 2:9
God’s promises are worth the wait. He sees your anticipation, and He’s preparing something more wonderful than you can dream. Anticipation can bring feelings of excitement or anxiety. But when it’s rooted in faith, it becomes sacred waiting. We are encouraged to bring our longing and expectation to God in prayer. He sees and honors our waiting.
“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
Romans 8:25 (KJV)
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised…” Acts 1:4
Jesus asked the disciples to wait in anticipation for the Holy Spirit. He, too, experienced the expectation of the Father’s promises.
Trust ~ Letting Go of the Need to Control
Trust doesn’t come naturally for most of us. We’ve been hurt. We’ve made mistakes. And sometimes, we’ve tried to take control so many times that surrender feels like failure. But it’s not.
God understands the struggle to trust. Jesus lived it, trusting the Father all the way to the cross, even when the plan was hard and painful. The Spirit helps us when we’re afraid, gently reminding us that we’re not alone in this.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… Romans 12:2
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope Jeremiah 29:11
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding Proverbs 3:5
God is trustworthy. Even when we feel unsure, His track record of faithfulness is perfect. You don’t have to have it all figured out! You just have to lean on the One who does.
Trust is essential to a life of faith. We are not called to understand everything, but to believe in the One who does.Trust is not just a feeling. It’s a spiritual anchor that holds us steady when life feels uncertain.
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”John 14:1
Jesus affirms our trust in both the Father and the Son.
Disgust ~ When the World Just Feels Wrong
Sometimes we look at the world and feel a deep sense of wrongness—at the violence, the cruelty, the selfishness. Sometimes we even feel it when we look in the mirror. And it makes us feel like turning away.
But God doesn’t turn away. He steps in. He understands that disgust can lead to conviction—and conviction can lead to cleansing.
Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good Romans 12:9
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
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me Psalm 51:10
God doesn’t recoil from our mess. He rolls up His sleeves and begins the work of restoration, one surrendered heart at a time. Although it may seem uncomfortable to think of God feeling disgust, Scripture reveals that righteous indignation is part of His holy nature.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16 (KJV)
This strong statement from Christ in Revelation reflects His intolerance of spiritual apathy and hypocrisy.
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“Woe to you… You are like whitewashed tombs… on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” Matthew 23:27
Jesus sharply rebuked the Pharisees, showing His holy disgust for false religion and inner corruption
Surprise ~ When Life Changes in an Instant
Life can change in a moment. One phone call. One unexpected turn. Some surprises fill us with joy. Others shake us to the core. But no matter what, God is never surprised. He’s never caught off guard.
And Jesus? He walked this life too. He knew what it was to deal with interruptions, detours, and the unexpected. He always responded with trust in the Father’s timing.
For I know the plans I have for you Jeremiah 29:11
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps Proverbs 16:9
Whether the surprise is good or hard, we can be sure that our steps are ordered, and our God is present.
Although God is all-knowing, Jesus, as fully God and fully man, experienced surprise and amazement during His earthly ministry.
When Jesus heard it, he marvelled… Matthew 8:10 (KJV)
He marveled at the centurion’s great faith. This reminds us that surprise, when connected to wonder and belief, can honor God.
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“He was amazed at their lack of faith.” Mark 6:6
Jesus experienced both the joy of unexpected faith and the sadness of unbelief.
Anger ~ When the Fire Rises Inside
Anger is one of those emotions we often try to hide. Maybe we think it’s wrong to feel it, or maybe it makes us feel out of control. But anger, in itself, isn’t a sin. It’s what we do with it that matters.
And here’s the beautiful truth? God understands anger. Jesus experienced righteous anger when He saw injustice. God’s own wrath is always rooted in justice and love, not revenge or ego. He invites us to bring our anger to Him and let Him help us sort through it.
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil Ephesians 4:26-27
Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God James 1:19-20
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil
Psalm 37:8
God helps us know when to speak, when to be silent, and when to let go. He also helps us forgive, even when it’s hard—especially when it’s hard.
Anger is not sinful in itself. Scripture teaches, “Be ye angry, and sin not.” God’s anger is always holy, just, and controlled. Jesus was angered by the stubbornness of the religious leaders. His anger came from grief and love, not pride or revenge.
“And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts…” Mark 3:5 (KJV)
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“The Lord… is slow to anger, abounding in love… yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished.” Exodus 34:6-7
God the Father’s anger is always in balance with His mercy and justice.
Fear ~ When the “What Ifs” Won’t Stop Whispering
Fear is loud. It whispers worst-case scenarios and sows doubt in places where faith once thrived. I’ve felt its grip late at night when the world feels uncertain or when the future seems too big. But God understands fear, too. Jesus felt anguish in the garden before the cross. He cried out to the Father with real human emotion. So when we’re afraid, He doesn’t scold us—He meets us there.
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God Isaiah 41:10
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee Psalm 56:3
God replaces fear with peace. He calms the storm inside us and gently reminds us that He’s got this—and He’s got us. Fear often tempts us to run or to doubt, but God gently calls us to trust Him. When we bring our fear to Him, He answers with peace. God doesn’t deny our fear, but He offers His presence as the answer to it.
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God…” Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)
How God Understands This Emotion (NIV)
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow… My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” Matthew 26:38-39
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus expressed dread and anguish. Yet He submitted to the Father’s will, showing trust even in the face of fear.
God Knows, God Cares and God Will Heal
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
This verse beautifully reminds us that every emotion—especially the painful ones—has an expiration date in the presence of God. He doesn’t shame us for feeling. He meets us in our feelings and promises that one day, those sorrows will be no more. It is okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, joy, fear, anger, hope, disgust, surprise, or uncertainty. God created our hearts with the capacity to feel, and He invites us to bring all of it to Him.
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (KJV)
You are not meant to carry your emotions alone. When you bring them to the Lord, you are met not with dismissal but with compassion and care.
“The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (KJV)
My Closing Thoughts:
Every emotion we experience, whether joy or sorrow, trust or fear, is understood by our God. The Father knows our hearts. The Son has walked in our shoes. The Spirit intercedes for us in ways deeper than we can express.
So bring everything to Him. Pray honestly, with thanksgiving, even when you’re overwhelmed or uncertain. In return, God gives His peace. Not just any peace, but His own peace. It will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
“The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds…”
Philippians 4:7 (KJV)
Please refer to these blogs for parts 1-5a of “Important Guidelines for Life”
I started this series in 2021. So sorry it has taken so long to complete.
Jesus ~ Amazing Grace! 
You must be logged in to post a comment.