Holding Steady: A Faith Filled Approach toEmotional Regulation
Last night’s Mental Health and the Gospel 002 was truly amazing. We explored what emotional regulation is and what it looks like to navigate the ups and downs of life while still being able to find balance and return to baseline in the midst of everything happening around us. In Psalm 77, we are given a beautiful blueprint of what emotional regulation can look like in real time for the believer. Asaph, a psalmist, is navigating deeply tumultuous emotions. We are not told exactly what he is going through, and I would even venture to say that God may have left it that way so that we can see ourselves reflected in the psalmist’s words.
You really had to be there to fully grasp all that we discussed, but here are a few takeaways that I hope will help you along the way.
Step One: God invites us to identify and express the emotions leading with vulnerability and raw honesty
Psalm 77:1-4
I cry out to God; yes, I shout.
Oh, that God would listen to me!
When I was in deep trouble,
I searched for the Lord.
All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven,
but my soul was not comforted.
I think of God, and I moan,
overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude
You don’t let me sleep.
I am too distressed even to pray!
The psalmist expresses with raw vulnerability what he’s feeling and the experiences of God he’s having. He lays it all out in song, writing, and I bet there were some tears shed. For you this could look like journaling, praying through a workout as you help your body release tension, anger and anxiety, crying in worship, talking to a trusted friend, mentor, pastor, etc. God gives us space to express real vulnerable thoughts freely to Him and those He’s entrusted to our care.
Step 2: Notice the beliefs and thought patterns you hold that your emotions are pointing out.
Psalm 77: 7-10
Has the Lord rejected me forever?
Will he never again be kind to me?
Is his unfailing love gone forever?
Have his promises permanently failed?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has he slammed the door on his compassion? Interlude
And I said, “This is my fate;
the Most High has turned his hand against me.
The psalmist feels abandoned by God, as though he has been rejected and cut off from compassion. Notice the questions he asks. These are not firm statements but vulnerable thoughts that may be fueling the emotions rising within him. He even shares that thinking about the Lord caused him to groan, showing that his experience of God in that moment felt deeply painful and negative, as if this abandonment was permanent.
For you, this might look like intentional journaling with guided prompts that help uncover your underlying thoughts and beliefs. It may also mean reaching out to a therapist, counselor, coach, or trusted loved ones who can help you gain perspective on what you are thinking and where those thoughts may be coming from.
Like us, the psalmist expresses real and valid emotions, yet what stands out is that as he names his feelings and the thoughts behind them. However, he does not stay there.
Instead, we are invited to notice what he chooses to do next…
Step Three: He reminds himself of the Truth.
Psalm 77:11-12
But then I recall all you have done, O Lord;
I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.
They are constantly in my thoughts.
I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
The psalmist does what I like to call fact checking, but notice he does not rush to it. He first acknowledges where he is emotionally and mentally, then allows the Holy Spirit to help him remember the truth he has hidden in his heart. In Philippians 4, a passage many believers cling to when navigating mental health challenges, we are encouraged to think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise because these truths anchor us in who God is through what Jesus has done. In the same way, the psalmist begins reminding himself of God’s works from the past. THAT HE KNOWS and BELIEVES IN, calling them wonderful and keeping them at the forefront of his mind. Even though his emotions make it feel as if God is distant, he cannot stop returning to God’s goodness.
I implore you to read the Word and intentionally look for aspects of God’s character that speak directly against the false thoughts you are noticing. Remind yourself of what God has done in your own life, the moments you know without a doubt were real because you experienced His presence, saw Him come through, and witnessed His power firsthand. Bring to mind His faithfulness, His goodness, and His unrelenting grace.
And when holding on to His truth feels difficult, cling to the Gospel of grace that meets you exactly where you are, goes before you as you move forward, and gives you the hope to see God clearly even in the middle of the storm.
Truth does not eliminate emotions, but it does bring perspective to them.
I pray this Wellness Wednesday newsletter offered you clarity as you continue navigating God’s grace through the ups and downs of your personal life, the world around you, and the practice of inviting both God and trusted others into the journey.
And speaking of wellness… we will be taking a two week break for the holidays to rest, enjoy time with family and friends, and return refreshed for 2026. If you would like to stay connected with The Job Project during that time,
I invite you to tune into our podcast and our socials, where we explore topics like this and so much more.
We love you all, and we’re praying for you and your loved ones to have a joyful and restful holiday season.
See you in 2026.
