Learning to Discern Between Emotion and the Holy Spirit

Some thoughts come like a whisper. Others arrive like a tidal wave of emotion, crashing into your decisions before you have a moment to pray.

That’s where discernment becomes more than just a spiritual skill—it becomes a matter of survival.

You’ll be tempted to mistake fear for wisdom.

You’ll want to call anger clarity.

You’ll feel peace and wonder if you’re simply exhausted from the struggle.

Or you’ll feel a sense of conviction and wonder if it’s guilt from your past or the Lord revealing truth to you.

We don’t talk enough about this:

Discerning what belongs to you, what’s triggered, and what’s genuinely from God.

Just Because It Feels Strong Doesn’t Mean It’s Right

Feelings are loud. Especially when you’re healing. Especially when something touches a nerve you thought you had buried.

But feelings are not facts. And they’re not always faith.

There’s a difference between:

• The Holy Spirit convicting you to wait
• And anxiety convincing you not to try

There’s a difference between:

• The Holy Spirit warning you to leave
• And a fear of being hurt again causing you to self-sabotage

You won’t always know in the moment. But when it’s God, there’s peace. Even when it’s hard. Even when it’s stretching you.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (CSB)

Sound judgment. That’s what emotional discernment safeguards.

It doesn’t shut your feelings down. It filters them.

Ask Yourself These Three Questions

When you’re caught in the whirlpool of thoughts, feelings, and what-ifs, try asking:

1. Does this lead me toward peace or panic?
   God may lead you into hard places, but He will never leave you without peace.
2. Am I reacting to the present—or reliving the past?
   A triggered heart responds louder than a healed one. Don’t confuse reaction for revelation.
3. What aligns with His Word—not just my want?
   If it contradicts scripture, it’s not Him. No matter how good it feels.

You Can Be Emotional and Still Be Led by the Spirit

Being led by God doesn’t mean you stop feeling. It means you feel… but you still follow.

Your tears don’t make you weak. Your anger doesn’t make you faithless.

Unchecked emotion can drown out the whisper of the Spirit.

So pause.

Pray.

Wait if you must.

Even Jesus wept. But He was still guided.

And the same Spirit that raised Him now dwells in you.

That means discernment isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being surrendered.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.

Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr.

District Elder & Pastor Harold Robertson, Jr. is a seasoned IT Professional and spiritual leader who bridges technology and faith to drive innovation in schools, churches, and communities. With certifications in ITIL, Google Workspace, AI, and church administration, he empowers organizations to thrive through strategic tech integration and leadership.