“Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”—Psalm 62:8

I arise each morning, toss on my fluffy robe, grab a cup of coffee, and head to my “Jesus Chair”, as my friend, Karen, calls it. It’s a pretty chair in my parlor where I meet each morning with God, journal in hand, devotional book, and Bible.

Sleep didn’t come easily last night as I tossed and turned. There’s so much to think about, worry about, figure out: the kids, our ministry, our future, my goals and dreams. I knew Papa and I would have a lot to talk about.

I start with my journal and write, “Dear Papa”. It’s my name for God. It’s a term of endearment which represents security, comfort, unconditional love, and intimacy. Someone taught me long ago the power of keeping a journal and the discipline of getting all the feelings out. It’s something I’ve practiced for over two decades. I start with all the things on my heart and I pour it all out: My honest fears; Papa listens. My temper tantrum; Papa doesn’t mind. My furrowed, angry brow: Papa understands. My pitfall sin and shortcomings; Papa still loves me. My wasted worry and doubt; Papa knows I trust Him.

After I’ve poured out the feelings, I can pour in the Truth. It’s hard to apply Truth to a shattered, weary heart. Or how do you apply Truth to a hard heart? A heart that's battle left it worn and disappointed. How can you apply Truth to a mind fixated on worry or an anxious heart? It’s a very challenging thing to do.

We know what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to count it all joy, give thanks in all things, and see God working all the hard things together for good. But we can’t when we are feeling all the feelings.

Here’s the thing about feelings. They aren’t always true, but they’re real. It’s very real to feel frightened, angry, disappointed, hostile, ashamed, dismissed, rejected, lonely, unloved, undervalued, sad, worried, and impatient. The feelings are telling you to pay attention. They’re something you need to understand about yourself in this moment. So acknowledge the feeling. Pour it out before God. Tell him all about it. We do not have to pretend with Him. The Bible says he knows our every thought and every word before we speak it. Of course He knows what you’re feeling. But by you telling Him, it indicates you know He sees you.

Pay attention to the moments you say, “I don’t feel like it.” Ask yourself, “Why do I feel this way?” When you have negative thoughts like, “I’m no good; this will never work out, God doesn’t care, I’m a mess beyond help.” Are those feelings really true about you? Most likely not. They’re definitely not originating from God and are most likely coming from a place of pain.

When all the feelings are expressed, then you can move to Truth. Seek the truth of God’s Word. Learn to study the Word and dig for nuggets of truth to apply to your situation. Read the stories and see God’s character. Read, understand, and know the context so you can see the heart of God.

His intention for you is always good. He’s left the Word for you as a guide, a compass, a life-line when situations get difficult. Read the truth and let go of what you feel. It’s at this time where you turn off your “Feeler” and go with your “Knower”; what you know to be true about God based on His Word. We don’t build a life on what we feel, we build on what we know. What you know as Truth is what you build your life upon. It becomes your foundation, your standing ground, when the storms of life or the feelings try to overwhelm you.

This discipline of acknowledging the feelings and pouring them out to God will be help you feel more peace. It will bring you closer to God and strengthen you. I’ve included a worksheet for you to download. Just click on the image below and it’s yours. This tool will help you process your feelings with God.