Reframing AnxietySample

Day 7: The Truth About Emotions

I want to conclude this YouVersion plan by addressing a common misunderstanding of where emotions come from that I frequently see in Christian contexts. Then, I want to leave you with some encouraging biblical truths in response.

A misunderstanding of emotion’s origin might lead to the following untrue beliefs: Emotions are either “bad” (evil, not from God) or “good” (from God). When we misunderstand the origin of emotions, we might consider some emotions “bad” and others “good.” “Bad” emotions are labeled as coming from “Satan” or “the devil” or even labeled “sinful.” Meanwhile, “good” emotions are attributed to God or spiritual maturity. And some might consider all emotions “bad.”

Emotions are not “bad” or “good.” Emotions are neutral, but we do not experience them neutrally. We tend to label emotions good or bad, depending on how we experience them. If happiness, joy, and delight feel good, we might think they must be good. If anxiety, dread, fear, or despair feels bad, it must be bad.

Experiencing joy and happiness is undoubtedly preferable to experiencing sadness and fear, but it is an error to assume this makes the pleasant emotions good and the challenging emotions bad. A better approach is to consider emotional information rather than labeling an emotion as bad or good.

Additionally, emotions seldom present themselves one at a time. We may experience multiple emotions simultaneously, even those that seem opposite. For example, we may have peace in sorrow or hope in suffering.

Truth: Emotions Are God-Given

We need to remember that emotions are a God-given part of creation. God demonstrates emotion in Scripture (for example, grief in Genesis 6:6, pity in Judges 2:18, anger in Judges 2:20, and delight in Zephaniah 3:17). In the New Testament, we see Jesus demonstrating emotion (weeping in Luke 19:41 and John 11:35, compassion in Mark 1:41, anger and grief in Mark 3:5, distress in Mark 14:33, and joy in Luke 10:21). Scripture demonstrates individuals experiencing a spectrum of emotions. For example, the psalms are replete with examples of intense emotion. And God joins us in our emotional experience and struggle (see Psalm 34:18; 145:18; Hebrews 4:16).

Even in a Fallen World, God Is Sovereign and with Us

Anxiety can be lonely and isolating. You don’t have to do it alone. God is beckoning you to notice him. To turn your focus toward him. To acknowledge his presence in the midst of your suffering, uncertainty, and pain.

We often overlook the magnitude of the impact of living in a fallen world. We cannot control the world’s fallenness, and it is prideful to think we can be good enough to avoid it, like somehow we are better than our brothers and sisters in Christ, throughout history and to the current day, who are facing suffering of all kinds. Acknowledge your experience. Be assured that God is present with you even if you feel completely alone. The anxiety you feel is an opportunity for curiosity and growth.

Emotions—including fear and anxiety—provide information and prompt us toward self-exploration. Emotions enable us to engage with others and the world around us more fully. Emotions can motivate us toward action. And, whether painful or pleasant, emotions invite us to connect with our Creator.

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We hope this plan was helpful to you. You can read more about coping with anxiety from Karen Roudkovski in her book, Reframing Anxiety, available here.