Feelings are an integral part of the human experience, influencing our thoughts, decisions, and relationships. The Bible recognizes the complexity of emotions, offering guidance on how to navigate them in a way that honors God. Scripture encourages us to bring our feelings to God, whether they are of joy, sorrow, anger, or fear, and to align our emotions with His truth. Here are 30 Bible verses about feelings, each with a commentary to help you reflect on how to manage and understand your emotions in light of God’s Word.
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This verse offers comfort to those who are feeling deep sorrow. It teaches that God is near to us in our pain, offering His presence and salvation when we are emotionally overwhelmed. It reassures us that God cares deeply about our feelings and is always ready to provide comfort and healing.
2. Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of guarding our emotions. It teaches that our feelings influence our actions, so we must protect our hearts from negative emotions that could lead us astray. By keeping our hearts aligned with God’s truth, we can ensure that our feelings lead to positive and righteous actions.
3. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Paul encourages believers to bring their anxieties to God in prayer. This verse teaches that instead of being overwhelmed by our feelings of anxiety, we should turn to God in prayer, trusting Him to provide peace that surpasses human understanding. God’s peace guards our hearts and minds, helping us manage our emotions.
4. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites those who are emotionally weary to find rest in Him. This verse teaches that we can bring our feelings of exhaustion, stress, and burden to Jesus, who offers us rest and relief. His gentle and humble nature provides a safe space for us to release our emotions and find comfort in His care.
5. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
This proverb encourages us to trust God over our own feelings. It teaches that when we submit our emotions and decisions to God, rather than relying solely on our understanding, He will guide us in the right direction. Trusting in God helps us navigate our feelings with wisdom and clarity.
6. Psalm 42:11
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
The psalmist acknowledges his feelings of despair but chooses to hope in God. This verse teaches that it’s okay to acknowledge our negative emotions, but we should also remind ourselves to place our hope in God. Praising God in the midst of difficult feelings can uplift our spirits and refocus our hearts on His goodness.
7. Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Paul addresses the emotion of anger and how to handle it. This verse teaches that it’s natural to feel anger, but we must be careful not to let it lead us into sin. By resolving our anger quickly, we prevent it from becoming a stronghold for negative actions or thoughts.
8. Romans 12:15
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Paul encourages empathy in our emotional responses. This verse teaches the importance of sharing in the feelings of others, whether they are joyful or sorrowful. By aligning our emotions with those around us, we foster community and show genuine care and compassion.
9. Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
The psalmist turns to God in moments of fear. This verse teaches that feelings of fear are natural, but they should lead us to trust in God. By placing our trust in Him, we find security and strength to overcome our fears, knowing that He is with us.
10. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Paul reminds Timothy of the Spirit’s empowerment. This verse teaches that we are not to be controlled by feelings of fear or timidity, but instead, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live with power, love, and self-discipline. This divine empowerment helps us manage our emotions in a way that honors God.
11. 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
Peter encourages believers to give their anxieties to God. This verse teaches that God cares deeply about our feelings, especially when we are anxious. By casting our anxieties on Him, we acknowledge His concern for us and allow Him to bring peace and relief to our troubled hearts.
12. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
God promises His presence and support. This verse teaches that when we feel fear or dismay, we can rely on God’s strength and help. His promise to be with us reassures us that we are not alone in our feelings, and He will uphold us through any emotional turmoil.
13. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus offers His peace to His followers. This verse teaches that the peace Jesus gives is different from what the world offers—it is deep, lasting, and not dependent on circumstances. When our hearts are troubled or afraid, we can rest in the peace that Jesus provides, which calms our emotions and brings stability.
14. Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
The psalmist encourages delight in God. This verse teaches that when we find our joy and satisfaction in the Lord, our desires begin to align with His will. As we delight in Him, our feelings and desires are shaped by His love, leading to fulfillment in ways that honor God.
15. Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
This proverb highlights the impact of anxiety and encouragement. It teaches that while anxiety can burden our hearts, a kind word or encouragement can lift our spirits. This verse encourages us to both seek and offer words of comfort and kindness to others, recognizing the power of words to influence our emotions.
16. Colossians 3:15
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Paul calls for Christ’s peace to govern our hearts. This verse teaches that the peace of Christ should be the guiding force in our hearts, especially in managing our emotions. By allowing His peace to rule, we can maintain emotional stability and unity with others, reflecting our calling to live in peace.
17. Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Jeremiah reflects on God’s compassion and faithfulness. This verse teaches that even in the midst of overwhelming emotions, God’s compassion and faithfulness provide hope and renewal. Each day brings new opportunities to experience His love and mercy, which can uplift our spirits and sustain us through difficult times.
18. Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
The psalmist encourages us to give our burdens to God. This verse teaches that when we bring our worries and burdens to God, He promises to sustain us. By entrusting our feelings to Him, we can experience His support and stability, knowing that He will not let us be shaken by life’s challenges.
19. Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Isaiah speaks of the peace that comes from trust in God. This verse teaches that steadfast trust in God leads to perfect peace, which can calm our emotions and provide a stable foundation. When we focus our minds on God and trust in His goodness, our feelings of anxiety or unrest are replaced with His peace.
20. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Paul assures believers of God’s good purposes. This verse teaches that even when our feelings are uncertain or troubled, we can trust that God is working everything for our good. This assurance helps us to manage our emotions with faith, knowing that God’s purposes will ultimately bring about good in our lives.
21. Psalm 46:10
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
God calls for stillness and trust. This verse teaches that in the midst of emotional turmoil or anxiety, we are invited to be still and recognize God’s sovereignty. By calming our emotions and focusing on God’s greatness, we can find peace and assurance that He is in control.
22. James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
James offers practical advice on managing anger. This verse teaches that controlling our emotions, especially anger, is crucial for living a righteous life. By being quick to listen and slow to anger, we can prevent our emotions from leading us into sin and instead respond in ways that reflect God’s righteousness.
23. Psalm 30:5
“For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”
The psalmist contrasts temporary sorrow with lasting joy. This verse teaches that while we may experience strong emotions like sorrow or anger, they are temporary compared to the lasting favor and joy that come from God. It encourages us to hold on to hope, knowing that our difficult feelings will eventually give way to rejoicing.
24. Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit. This verse teaches that the Holy Spirit produces positive emotions and character traits within us, such as love, joy, and peace. By cultivating these fruits, we can manage our emotions in ways that reflect God’s nature and bring harmony to our relationships.
25. 1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
John speaks of the relationship between love and fear. This verse teaches that God’s perfect love eliminates fear, replacing it with confidence and security. When we fully embrace God’s love, our feelings of fear diminish, allowing us to live with boldness and assurance in His care.
26. Psalm 139:23-24
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
David invites God to examine his heart. This verse teaches that we should invite God to search our hearts and reveal any feelings or thoughts that are not aligned with His will. By allowing God to guide our emotions, we can be led in the way of everlasting life, free from anxiety and sin.
27. Ecclesiastes 3:4
“A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
Solomon acknowledges the different seasons of emotions. This verse teaches that there is a proper time for every emotion, whether it is joy or sorrow. Understanding that our feelings have a place in the rhythm of life helps us to embrace each season with grace and trust in God’s timing.
28. Psalm 62:8
“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
The psalmist encourages trust and transparency with God. This verse teaches that we can pour out all our feelings to God, trusting Him as our refuge. Whether we are happy, sad, angry, or confused, God is always ready to listen and provide the safety and comfort we need.
29. Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Paul calls for the renewal of the mind. This verse teaches that transforming our minds according to God’s truth can help us manage our feelings in a way that aligns with His will. By renewing our minds, we gain clarity and understanding, allowing us to handle our emotions wisely.
30. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Paul speaks of God’s comfort in times of trouble. This verse teaches that God is the source of all comfort, especially when we are overwhelmed by difficult emotions. As we receive His comfort, we are also equipped to offer comfort to others, creating a cycle of compassion and support within the community of believers.
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