Fearful of Your Feelings? God’s Way to Face Them with Freedom
Meet Rachel.
She’s a high-achieving Christian woman who seems to have it all together. She coaches youth at church, leads big projects at work, and remembers everyone’s birthday. To outsiders, she looks calm and “put together.”
But inside, she was terrified of her own emotions. A small disagreement could spike her anxiety. Anger felt like a flame she couldn’t control. Quiet moments sometimes brought sadness that left her feeling unraveled. She tried staying busy, over-praying, and packing her schedule—anything to avoid feeling. Yet avoidance only gave her emotions more power.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Fear of emotions is common and doesn’t mean you lack faith. The question is: how do we face emotions without letting them control us?
Why We Fear Emotions
Rachel’s fear grew quietly over the years:
Early experiences: In her family, anger or tears were dismissed as weak or unimportant.
High-stress environments: Deadlines at work and church responsibilities added pressure to appear composed.
False beliefs: She believed that feeling anxious, sad, or angry made her weak or sinful.
But Scripture reminds us God created emotions as part of His design:
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” —Psalm 139:13
Emotions are not a mistake; they are woven into who we are by God’s hand.
How Fear Shows Up
Fear of emotions often looks subtle:
Avoidance: long hours, endless scrolling, and distraction.
Suppression: pushing down anger or sadness.
Catastrophic thinking: “If I feel anxious, I’ll lose control.”
Physical tension: racing heart, tight chest.
Avoidance may feel safe in the short term, like you dodged a bullet, but it exhausts you over time. For those with an intense fear of emotions, even thinking about sadness or anxiety can trigger panic or dread.
Steps Toward Freedom
1. Name Your Emotion
Identify what you feel—fear, sadness, frustration, or joy. Naming feelings reduces their power.
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” —Proverbs 16:32
2. Feel It Safely
Notice your sensations without reacting:
Take slow breaths and say, “I feel anxious, and God cares for me.”
Sit quietly without distraction.
Psalm 56:8 reassures us: God notices every feeling, even the messy ones.
3. Challenge Lies
Fear often comes from false beliefs: “If I get angry, I’m a bad Christian.” Replace them with God’s truth:
“God is with me in my anxiety.”
“Jesus has paid for all my sins. I am fully loved.”
Even uncomfortable emotions can be part of God’s plan. —Romans 8:28
4. Ground Yourself in Creation
Rachel took a nature walk and intentionally watched birds, noting their colors, songs, and movement. When anxious thoughts popped up, she refocused on the birds. She reflected:
“Look at the birds of the air… your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” —Matthew 6:26
Attention to God’s creation calms body and mind.
5. Reflect on God’s Goodness
Journal about God’s faithfulness and His promises. Shift focus from fear to His steadfast love. See my Anti-Anxiety Journal.
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” —Psalm 34:1
6. Get Support
Rachel sought counseling for safe guidance, accountability, and practical tools.
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2
We are designed for support, not isolation. Learn more about weekly or bi-weekly counseling with me.
Rachel’s Transformation
Today, Rachel still feels anxious, frustrated, or sad—but she no longer runs from her emotions. She names them, challenges lies, reflects on God’s goodness, and grounds herself in creation. Facing feelings with God gives her peace, energy, and freedom.
Fear of emotions does not have to control your life. With God, what once felt like a pit can become a doorway to growth, wisdom, and peace.
Bottom Line:
Name it — Identify the emotion.
Feel it safely — Notice without reacting.
Challenge lies — Replace fear-based thoughts with God’s truth.
Be ground in creation — Watch birds and remember God’s care (Matthew 6:26).
Reflect on God’s goodness — Journal gratitude and faithfulness.
Get support — Counseling helps you face emotions with guidance.
Stop running from emotions. With God, they can guide you toward growth, wisdom, and peace.
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