Exploring Emotions Through Psalms

Article Summary

The Book of Psalms offers valuable reflections for when we are feeling glad, sad, mad, and afraid.

Full Article

During my undergraduate studies, I took a class on pastoral care and counseling. My professor for this class was Dr. Dennis Nichols. He had experience as a chaplain in both military and healthcare settings, as well as in pastoral ministry.

In this class, Dr. Nichols taught us that there were four basic types of feelings:

1. Glad
2. Sad
3. Mad
4. “Frad” (afraid) 

As Christian leaders, we will not only experience each of these emotions ourselves, we will also guide others through them.

If you or someone you care about is feeling glad, sad, mad, or afraid, there is a Psalm for reading and reflection. 

The Book of Psalms is a collection of 150 songs, poems, and prayers that encompass a wide-array of emotions. Each one communicates feelings of gladness, sadness, anger, and/or fear. 

Sometimes, it can be challenging to find words to describe how we’re feeling. Whether you or someone you know is experiencing gladness, sadness, anger, or fear, there is a Psalm that can help articulate those emotions.

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When you are feeling GLAD, read:

• Psalm 8
  • “…When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” (v. 3-4, NIV)
• Psalm 30
  • “…You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” (v. 11-12, NIV) 
• Psalm 65
  • “…You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds, God our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas…” (v. 5, NIV)
• Psalm 100
  • “… Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (v. 2, NIV)
• Psalm 150
  • “…Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (v. 6, NIV)

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When you are feeling SAD, read:

• Psalm 6
  • “…I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes.” (v. 6-7, NIV)
• Psalm 13
  • “…How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” (v. 2, NIV)
• Psalm 42
  • “…My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, ‘Where is your God?’” (v. 3, NIV)
• Psalm 77
  • “…When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.” (v. 2, NIV)
• Psalm 88
  • “…But I cry to you for help, Lord; in the morning my prayer comes before you.” (v. 13, NIV)

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When you are feeling MAD, read:

• Psalm 17
  • “…Let my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right.” (v. 2, NIV)
• Psalm 35
  • “…May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay.” (v. 4, NIV)
• Psalm 69
  • “…Pour out your wrath on them; let your fierce anger overtake them.” (v. 24, NIV)
• Psalm 109
  • “…May my accusers be clothed with disgrace and wrapped in shame as in a cloak.” (v. 29, NIV)
• Psalm 137
  • “…Daughter Babylon, doomed to destruction, happy is the one who repays you according to what you have done to us.” (v. 8, NIV)

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When you are feeling AFRAID, read: 

• Psalm 55
  • “…Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me.” (v. 5, NIV)
• Psalm 56
  • “…My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me.” (v. 2, NIV)
• Psalm 59
  • “…Deliver me from evildoers and save me from those who are after my blood.” (v. 2, NIV)
• Psalm 120
  • “…Save me, Lord, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues.” (v. 2 NIV)
• Psalm 143
  • “…Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you.” (v. 9, NIV)

^{Originally posted on April 2, 2024. Last updated on May 28th 2024.}