“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 NKJV)

Are you afraid of your feelings? Afraid that you may drown in your overwhelming emotions? Do you bottle up your feelings because the thought of the pain that comes with feeling is too much to handle? I can relate!

I used to fall on either extreme of bottling up my feelings or drowning in them.  I’m happy to say that even though  I can be sensitive, I express my feelings in a much healthier way now.  I’m no longer afraid of feeling because it may hurt.  It’s actually quite relieving to experience the pain because in doing so I can be free to experience healing and move forward.

Maybe you’re wondering what changed for me… Well truthfully I began to feel safe when I entered into a relationship with God through His Son Jesus.  I knew that I was no longer alone and that I didn’t have to be afraid anymore.  My emotions may have felt bigger than me, but they definitely weren’t bigger than my God.  He could handle them.  I had to surrender everything over to Him especially my broken heart.  The more I poured my heart and soul out to Him the more healing I experienced.

I guess you could say that if it wasn’t for my FAITH in God I’d most likely still be bottling up my feelings or exploding and drowning in a sea of emotions.  I highlight the word faith because sometimes it literally feels like your feelings and emotions are at odds with your faith.  It’s a battle that requires looking up, and despite what we’re feeling, holding onto our faith.  The truth of God’s promises are so vital for when we are going through a battle of our feelings vs. our faith.

Sometimes in my efforts to be pious, I shy away from fully expressing to God what I’m really feeling as though it would be displeasing to Him.  An example of this would be when I’m feeling lonely in my singlehood and my heart is longing to be with my future husband.  At first I think that if I admit that I’m feeling sad and lonely that God would see that as me being dissatisfied in my relationship with Him, or as lack of faith on my part in that God wouldn’t provide for my desire. Fortunately, I realize the truth that He cares about every detail and that nothing is a surprise to Him. He knows my heart and He’s aware of my pain.  The Bible says that He is close to the broken hearted. That is so comforting!

Though I’m an imperfect, sinful human being, He perfectly heals the brokenness of my heart and helps me to feel and express in a safe and healthy way. I’ve entrusted my heart to the one who created it. I encourage you to do the same.

If you’re reading this and you want to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Saviour then with a sincere heart please pray the following prayer out loud since Romans 10:9 says that, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved”:

Dear Jesus,

I confess that I am a sinner in need of a Saviour.  I believe that you are Lord and that God raised You from the dead.  Please forgive me of all of my sins and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I receive Your gift of eternal life and I thank You for saving me.  It is my desire to follow You all the days of my life and to do Your will. Please deliver me, heal and restore me.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen ❤