Finding Strength by Noticing and Naming Our Thoughts and Emotions in the Presence of God

Our thoughts can often resemble an enemy siege upon our mental fortress. Their presence and constant barrage seemingly demand our attention, taking our attention and focus away from God and how we live our lives.

This barrage can come in many forms: thoughts about past experiences or future concerns; judgements such as “I’m not good enough”, “I can’t do this”, or “This is too much.”; endless reasons for why we should or shouldn’t do something; or fixed rules that should or must be obeyed.

Like a prolonged siege, these thoughts weaken our resolve, leading to difficult and often overwhelming feelings of fear, anxiety, anger, hopelessness, worthlessness, or sadness to name a few.

As this siege rolls on, our enjoyment of life and God wanes, our self-esteem diminishes, and our desire to escape or avoid the barrage of difficult thoughts and emotions increases exponentially.

Who we turn to in these difficult moments of overwhelming thoughts and emotions matters.

We often turn to a friend or loved one, which can provide us temporary relief and perspective. Unfortunately, they are not always around and sometimes not much help.

When I turn to my wife for help when I’m struggling with overwhelming thoughts and emotions, she often responds with “How?” or “I don’t know how to help you.” She’s right, because she can’t stop the endless stream of thoughts and emotions or prevent them from coming back again.

When we are under siege from a constant barrage of thoughts and emotions, turning to another army for support isn’t the answer, moving to a stronger fortress is.

Fortresses are often built on areas of elevation so that they can see the enemy coming and take advantage of higher ground and the benefits of perspective and the strength it provides.

Our stronger fortress is God and His presence.

So, how can we move into the presence of God when we experience difficult thoughts and feelings? By taking a moment to name and notice them in the presence of God.

The following exercise helps us to do this, and involves speaking out loud three statements:[i]

I am having the thought/feeling of…

I am noticing myself having the thought/feeling of…

God is present with me as I notice myself having the thought/feeling of…

For example:

“I am having the thought of I’m not good enough,” or “I am having the feeling of frustration.”

“I am noticing myself having the thought of I’m not good enough,” or “I am noticing myself having the feeling of frustration.”

“God is present with me as I notice myself having the thought of, I’m not good enough,” or “God is present with me as I notice myself having the feeling of frustration.”

Try to pause for 10-15 seconds between each statement as this allows us to focus on our breathing and internalise the statement. After saying all three statements, continuing to focus on our breathing helps create a space to hear from God and to sense His presence. Repeating the exercise a few times can help as well.

Doing this exercise won’t necessarily make our difficult thoughts and feelings disappear. If it does this is a blessing! Doing the exercise will draw us closer to God, who then disempowers our thoughts and emotions, and removes their influence upon us. He then moves us to a position of strength and perspective so we can see ourselves and our lives as He sees them and act in-line with our faith and values.

Noticing and naming our thoughts and emotions in the presence of God, helps us to realise that our thoughts and feelings come and go, but God is present forever. This helps us to find strength when we are overwhelmed, as it reminds us that we are not alone. This new perspective then enables us to see our situation and experiences through God’s eyes and to move forward with Him in a powerful and life-changing way.

Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on a recent situation where you struggled with some difficult thoughts and feelings. How would being more of aware of God’s presence in that moment helped you to respond in that situation differently and what difference would it have made?

Prayer

Father God, when my thoughts and feelings overwhelm me and pull me away from you, help me to become aware of your presence and your voice guiding me forward.

Affirmation

My thoughts and feelings will come and go. As they do, God is forever present.

Action

The ability to notice and name our thoughts and emotions in God’s presence takes time and practice. Be sure to practice the above exercise not only when experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings, but positive ones as well. This makes it far easier for us to do the exercise when we are feeling overwhelmed. As we do, it is important to listen for God’s voice, hear what He is saying, and take the time to delight and rejoice in His presence.

[i] Adapted from: Harris, Russ. 2019. ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Second edition. The New Harbinger Made Simple Series. New Harbinger Publications, Inc.