Emotions are difficult. Though we were created with a multitude of them, we struggle to balance the rise and fall of our ever-changing emotions.
There are those who wear their emotions openly and others who hide them at all costs. But there is a balance. It is a balance of recognizing our emotions for what they are and surrendering them to God's perfect will.
Think of it this way: When we live our lives according to our feelings, we find ourselves on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that leave us disoriented and exhausted. But if we live our lives by faith, we will acknowledge our emotions for what they are - not hide them - but live them out authentically within the parameters that God set when He created us.
If you are hiding your feelings, here are five Bible verses to help you:
1. Share your desires:Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
At first glance, you might think that this verse is telling you to hide your fear. After all, Paul meant it when he told the Philippians not to worry about anything. However, he knew as well as anyone that worry, anxiety, and fear are real emotions that everyone deals with. So he followed his instruction by saying"but in all things by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known before God."
Amazing things can happen when you confess your worries and fears to the Lord, the first is His peace - which surpasses all understanding. So don't hide your feelings of fear, worry, or anxiety. Let her go to God. Make them known. Share your feelings with a few trusted friends and ask them to pray for you. Then allow the peace of God to cover your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Lord, please forgive me for hiding my sorrows and trying to bear them alone. I leave it to you, Lord. Help me take a bold step of faith and reach out to a few trusted friends. Give me the words to say when I contact you and give me the courage to admit how I feel. Through prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving in my heart, I confess my sorrows to You, Lord. And I receive Your indescribable peace.
In Jesus Names,
Amen.
2. Understand the seasons:Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
"There is a time for everything, a time for every purpose under heaven: a time to weep,
and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
There really is a season for everything - even showing your feelings. A sense of freedom comes when you are willing to laugh openly, cry freely, and show your honest feelings. Understanding the seasons simply means living with clarity about what is going on around you and responding authentically.
For example: As things in the world get darker by the day, address your feelings of sadness or frustration instead of ignoring them. It's not that you hop on social media and shout your opinions out to the world, it's that you admit things are uncertain and reach out to people who feel the same way.
Understand the season you're in and resist the urge to hide. Ask God for discernment. Pray for understanding so that when your God-given emotions surface, you will be willing to let them out instead of pushing them back down. In fact, others may need to see that you are struggling too.
Gracious God, thank you for different times and seasons and emotions. Help me recognize the times and allow my emotions to show themselves in your guidance and provision. This will probably make me realize that other people feel the same way. No matter what is happening around me, help me to live authentically and faithfully. I trust you in everything.
In Jesus Names,
Amen.
3. Be of the same opinion:Romans 12:15-16
“Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Be like-minded with one another.”
One of my closest friends is a cryer, but I rarely cry in front of others. Sometimes we laugh at the instant tears that well up in her eyes at the smallest thing. But we also talk about why I have a hard time "crying with those who cry."
Being of the same opinion as Christians involves emotions. It means spending time together and talking about deeper things than the weather. It's about going through good times and bad together. And it's willing to freely share emotions instead of holding back.
Pray and ask the Lord to help you rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Ask Him to break down the barrier you have put up and help you "live the life" with other believers.
Heavenly Father, thank you for fellow believers in Christ. We need each other in this life! Please help me lose my guard and invest fully in the people around me. Open my heart so I can rejoice when someone is happy and cry when someone is hurt. Help me to put myself in their shoes so that I can authentically address their situation.
In Jesus Names,
Amen.
4. Let it show:Sprüche 15:13-14a
"A happy heart cheers the face, but sorrow crushes the spirit. The discerning heart seeks knowledge.”
Keeping our emotions inside only harms us. When we seethe with anger but never let it out, it actually takes a physical toll on our bodies. When we bury our sorrows, we find ourselves deep in depression. Heartbreak crushes the spirit, but if we let go of it, it doesn't have a chance to build up and let us down.
There is a right way to show our emotions. We may not always get it right, but dealing with them is always better than smothering them. It could mean that when we're angry, we take a grown-up break and vent it behind closed doors. Or it could mean that we have to confront someone. However, showing our feelings can be beneficial.
Find ways to show your emotions without them bringing out the best in you. One of the ways to do this is by seeking knowledge. The Bible is your first guide, but there are other books and resources that can help you manage your emotions.
Lord God, please help me to open up and release my feelings towards you and others. I pray for wisdom about my emotions - wisdom to deal with them properly and not let them get the best of me. Please guide me to the right resources to help me manage my emotions. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Some resources to consider:
5 ways to win spiritual battles in your emotions
5 tips for managing your emotions
Emotions and Faith: Cultivating Divine Emotions in the Christian Life
5. Reveal them wisely:Epheser 4:26-27
“Be angry and do not sin; Don't let the sun go down on your anger and don't give the devil a chance."
I still remember the moment when I was confronted with the consequences of my frequent outbursts of anger. My three-year-old son was playing nearby when I heard him say, "She's mean. She's mad. My mother is mean and angry.”
I dropped what I was doing and peeked around the corner to see him playing with his action figures and having them tell him what a mean and crazy mom I was. And I was absolutely heartbroken.
From that day on, I repented of my anger and allowed God to heal me. I even wrote about it in my bookWhite Scarves: Replacing Our Problems With Christ's Covering. But to be honest, I stopped showing my anger in a hurtful way and hid it at all costs - which wasn't good either.
The Bible does not say "never be angry". Instead, it says, "Be angry and do not sin." This indicates a need for discretion, but is not a command to suppress our feelings. If you're struggling with when and how to show your emotions, ask yourself these questions:
- Will my feelings hurt someone or help someone?
- Will sharing my feelings help me or hold me back?
- Will speaking out about my feelings resolve the situation or make it worse?
You need to know when to show your emotions and when to let them go. And remember, if you ask God for wisdom and believe he will give it, he will! (James 1:5-7)
Dear God, thank you for the wisdom of knowing when and how to show my feelings. Please keep me in check so I don't hurt others or get caught up in a whirlpool of feelings. Instead, please help me to freely share my feelings to move forward and find a solution. I pray these things.
In Jesus Names,
Amen.
Photo credits: © Thinkstock/mheim3011
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FAQs
What does the Bible say about people who hide? ›
We serve a God who hides his servants. And while they are hidden He works in them, so that later and with greater power He may work through them.
What does the Bible say about not feeling like enough? ›5. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
What Bible verse is related to emotions? ›Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
What is Proverbs 11 13? ›Proverbs 11:13, NIV: A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret. Proverbs 11:13, ESV: Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.
Do not hide me from your presence? ›Psalm 51:11, NASB: Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Psalm 51:11, NLT: Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me.
What do you do when you don't feel like enough? ›- Stop Comparing and Competing With Others. The phrase “good enough” implies a standard exists that you must meet. ...
- Recall Past Achievements. ...
- Focus on the Process Rather Than Results. ...
- Speak to a Close Friend. ...
- Complete an Act of Kindness. ...
- Seek Therapy.
For all those who are in Christ Jesus, YOU ARE good, righteous, and enough because you are covered in the blood of Jesus, WHO MAKES YOU good, righteous, and enough. You are enough because God has arranged a salvation plan to make you enough.
What is Psalms 139 13? ›Psalm 139:13, NASB: For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother's womb. Psalm 139:13, NLT: You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb.
How does God speak to our emotions? ›God speaks through impressions in our emotions.
Keep in mind that the thoughts God has towards people are always thoughts of love, grace, protection, joy, conviction (not condemnation or shame), forgiveness, mercy, comfort, etc.
What are some emotional quotes? ›
- “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. ...
- “I don't want to be at the mercy of my emotions. ...
- “One thing you can't hide - is when you're crippled inside.” ...
- “The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it...”
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ." The Good News: God models the best behavior for you to replicate. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness for all. Do as God says and does, and you will be looked on favorably.
Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD: When we give to the poor (expressing our love and pity towards them), we aren't wasting our money. It is like lending money to the LORD Himself.
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” | By City on a Hill Church International | Facebook.
What is the meaning of John 2 4? ›The question “What have I to do with thee?” essentially meant “What do you want me to do?” The Savior's words to His mother can be seen as a subtle, tender way for Him to tell her that while His hour had “not yet come” (John 2:4), He was now making the transition from being the son of Mary to fulfilling His role as the ...
What does Matthew 18 15 say? ›15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
What is Ephesians 4 29? ›4 Verses 29 to 32. [29] Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
What is Ephesians 6 18? ›In Ephesians 6:18 we read the following words, "With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and stay alert in this, with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints" (HCSB). This is one of the Bible's amazing verses on prayer.
What is Psalm 139 v 7? ›Psalm 139:7, KJV: Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? Psalm 139:7, NASB: Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? Psalm 139:7, NLT: I can never escape from your Spirit!
What is Psalm 51 v 11? ›11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me.
What is Psalm 139 v 7 12? ›
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
How do I get over feeling unimportant? ›- Be kind to yourself. Think about how you talk to yourself. ...
- Practice gratitude. ...
- Be mindful of the context of your emotions. ...
- Practice forgiveness—and that includes for yourself. ...
- Consider helping others.
- Forgive yourself.
- Practice self-compassion.
- Use present moment awareness and mindfulness.
- Acknowledge and love your abilities.
- Ignore your inner critic.
- Connect with loved ones who appreciate you.
- Move on from disappointments.
- Gain perspective on your limitations.
...
In a four-step process, it can do the same for you.
- Step 1: Face your fears. ...
- Step 2: Become accountable. ...
- Step 3: Re-focus on your goals. ...
- Step 4: Create a personalized plan.
So, here they are: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What is Psalm 139 14? ›14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
What is Ephesians 2 10? ›Ephesians 2:10 reads “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
What is Proverbs 31 30? ›Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
What is Leviticus 19 32? ›Leviticus 19:32, ESV: “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:32, KJV: Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.
What does Jeremiah 1 5 say? ›"I knew you before you were born." In Jeremiah 1:5, “the word of the Lord” came to the prophet Jeremiah, who was a young man at the time. God said to him: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (1:5).
What does the Bible say about a man who isolates himself? ›
Proverbs 18:1 – A man who isolates himself seeks his own desires; he rages against all wise judgment.
What does hiding mean in the Bible? ›The word hide is satham which means to conceal or to keep secret. The word is spelled Samek, Taw, Final Mem. The Samek in this word would suggest that this concealment or keeping secret is meant for protection or a shelter. God is hiding his presence to protect Himself from the next letter which is a Taw.
Why do we hide from others? ›Know that hiding is a learned behavior that kept you safe when you were little. Your body and mind did what it was programmed to do for emotional survival. Know that hiding is not your fault, even though our shame tells us it is. Know that as adults we can handle rejection better and come out of hiding.
Where in the Bible does it say to give anonymously? ›"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
What does the Bible say about distancing yourself from others? ›“Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:17, 18). When it comes to becoming familiar with sin, God would have us keep our distance.
What is Proverbs 18 21? ›Proverbs 18:21, ESV: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Proverbs 18:21, KJV: Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
What is Proverbs 18 22? ›Proverbs 18:22, NIV: He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22, ESV: He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22, KJV: Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
What is the act of hiding? ›noun. 1. act of concealing; concealment. to remain in hiding.
What is the root word of hiding? ›Etymology 1
From Middle English hiden, huden, from Old English hȳdan (“to hide, conceal, preserve”), from Proto-West Germanic *hūdijan (“to conceal”), from Proto-Germanic *hūdijaną (“to conceal”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewdʰ- (“to cover, wrap, encase”), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewH- (“to cover”).
A 2021 study conducted in Italy during the first wave of lockdowns showed that when we regulate or ignore our emotions, we can experience short-term mental and physical reactions as well. “Suppressing your emotions, whether it's anger, sadness, grief or frustration, can lead to physical stress on your body.
What happens if you hide your emotions from others? ›
By hiding your emotions, you prevent clear communication with the people in your life. This lack of communication makes it tough to navigate conflict. When you can't work through problems, they'll probably keep happening.
Why would someone hide their love for you? ›In a relationship certain people can identify as "avoidant," meaning they have a tendency to shield their feelings from their partner. The reason behind this behavior is firstly to avoid burdening a loved one with personal worries, and secondly to self-protect from vulnerability.
What does Matthew 6 5 say? ›The World English Bible translates the passage as: When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men.
What does Matthew 6 3 mean? ›Jesus' message about giving is both clear and simple: (1) Give, (2) Give purely, and (3) Give purely to glorify God and motivate others. Rather than concerning yourself with who will know about your giving, focus on who will be glorified by your giving and inspired to join you in giving adventures.