Mastering Emotions
Biblical Examples of Emotional Mastery
There are several examples in the Bible of people who learned to master their emotions through their faith in God. Two powerful examples are King David and Jesus.
David: King David is known for being a man after God’s own heart, yet he experienced a wide range of emotions—joy, sorrow, anger, fear, and guilt. In the Psalms, David often poured out his emotions to God, but he always returned to trust in God’s faithfulness. David didn’t ignore his emotions—he brought them to God and allowed God to shape his response.
Psalm 13:1-2, 5 (NLT) captures this process:
"O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me."
Jesus: Our Lord experienced deep emotions, including sorrow, anger, and compassion. In the Garden of Gethsemane, before His crucifixion, Jesus was overwhelmed with sorrow, yet He surrendered His emotions to God, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus’ perfect example shows us that while emotions are real and valid, they should always be surrendered to God’s will.
Luke 22:42 (NLT) records Jesus’ prayer:
"Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."
These examples serve as inspiration, so we might do the same!
Even Paul had a great handle on his emotions! To live is Christ to die is gain!