Who would argue against the benefit of reading Scripture when you’re upset? After all, Scripture will accomplish only what God pleases (Isaiah 55:11) no matter your emotional state of being. However, sometimes your emotions and your enemy (the devil) can try to prevent you from cooperating with what you’re reading. In cases like this, you’ll want to prepare your mind to read the Bible rightly and effectively for moving forward when you’re upset (1 Peter 1:13). This means even if you’re in turmoil as you pick up your Bible and are facing stumbling blocks based on your circumstances, the goal of your heart is for Scripture to eventually steady and comfort you. Ultimately, you want to be made right with God and man, and fit for serving Him.

See the list below to examine whether you’ve ever encountered these stumbling blocks when feeling upset:

Stumbling Block #1: Reading the Bible to Judge

If you’re upset because you’ve been harmed or hurt, you may find that your brain is interpreting every verse and passage as a way to help you judge an offending person or organization for what has been done to you. And you may declare you have the right to judge a sinning brother or sister according to the truth of Scripture (Matthew 18:15-17). Nevertheless, with an open heart, you’ll soon remember you have a higher Judge who has prepared His throne for judgment (Psalm 9:7-8) and that the proper process of judging others comes only after you’ve removed the plank out of your own eye (Matthew 7:5).

Secondly, if you catch yourself reading Scripture to find ways to accuse God of not living up to what you believe He’s promised, you’ll quickly want to let Him soften you to see His better plan to bring you to contentment, supply all your needs, and make things right in His timing (Philippians 4:11-20).

Third, you’ll want to stop yourself from becoming overly harsh and self-condemning while reading certain passages of the Bible, so that you won’t be in opposition to the grace and forgiveness Jesus died to give you (Romans 8:1-2).

Stumbling Block #2: Reading the Bible to Defend

If you’re upset because you’ve been criticized or your reputation has been defamed, you may find that you’re defending yourself through every passage you read. Left unchecked, eventually this weakens you to feeling anxious, becoming obsessive in your thoughts, and consumed with being acquitted. Instead, Scripture at a time like this is meant to restore your peace and help you surrender control to your Rock, Salvation, and Defense through Whom you shall not be moved (Psalm 62:6).

Stumbling Block #3: Reading the Bible to Manipulate

It’s certainly Biblical to pray and ask the Father to battle for your cause (Psalm 9:4). But when others are behaving in a way you find unacceptable, it’s easy to become preoccupied with hunting through Scripture finding verses to reinforce your point and change their ways. Then, if you focus so much on any other person’s needs for growth and correction, you can end up neglecting your own need to be moved by the gospel afresh (Romans 3:23-26).

How To Remove These Stumbling Blocks

These stumbling blocks can make it very distracting to try to read Scripture in order to feel less upset! These stumbling blocks may even cause you to lose interest in reading your Bible in times like this. But don’t let Satan cause harm to you by keeping you away from the lifeline of being in God’s Word. You need to run to your Bible when you’re upset. Next time you’re upset and crash upon one of these stumbling blocks, try these ideas:

1. Pray before you open your Bible that Jesus would lead you through His Word in such a way as to steady your emotions, open your spirit up to what your Savior has to say, and calm your mind to think objectively and wisely. Ask your heavenly Father to humble you so that your worries can be absorbed by His love and comfort, trusting Him to work out all of your relationship struggles in His way. Praise your Judge, Defender, and Prince of Peace while you wait for Him to turn hearts and do a mighty work through circumstances.

• Look in God’s Word for your perfectly faithful Friend. Keep investing in Jesus as you would with any friend that you want to get to know better and form a bond with. He, the Person, will be there for you every single time you’re upset. Don’t confine your Bible reading to searching out written back-up of your feelings and consequentially lose your intent to connect with Christ. Remember that finding the presence of Jesus all through Scripture is always your best gain, reward, and hope.

• Expect to be changed. Let the Word of God deal with you as you also trust Scripture to deal with any other person or situation. You’ll be set free from thinking you’re okay or not okay based on your circumstances. Then, you can find joy and peace again. Make your priority to draw near to the Lord so that He can draw near to you. Even more than short-term justice, defense, or control, you need Him.

Prayer & Blessing

“Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, that I may choose obedience. (Psalm 119:88, 173)