Sorting Real Feelings And False Conclusions
Introduction: When Feelings Multiply
After trauma, emotions can feel overwhelming. Some are natural—fear in danger, grief after loss, anger at betrayal. Others are manufactured, springing not from the event itself but from distorted thoughts: “I’ll never heal,” “I can’t be loved,” “This always happens to me.”
Both feel real, but not both are rooted in truth. CPT helps us distinguish between the two, allowing us to honor genuine emotions without being enslaved by false ones.
Natural Emotions: God-Given Responses
Natural emotions are appropriate reactions to reality. Scripture validates them: “Jesus wept” (John 11:35, MEV). Grief is not sin—it’s human. “Be angry, but do not sin” (Ephesians 4:26, MEV). Anger at injustice is right, but it must be handled wisely.
Manufactured Emotions: Lies Masquerading as Feelings
Manufactured emotions flow from distorted beliefs. They feel as strong as natural ones but are fueled by lies. For example, a survivor may feel worthless because they believe the trauma was their fault. The feeling is real, but the source is false.
Biblical Example: Elijah’s Despair
After his showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah fled into the wilderness. He prayed, “It is enough. O Lord, take my life” (1 Kings 19:4, MEV). Elijah’s despair was fueled not by reality but by his distorted belief that he was alone and defeated. God corrected him gently, showing him there were still 7,000 faithful in Israel. Elijah’s feelings were real, but they weren’t rooted in truth.
Practical Application: Testing Emotions
Name the emotion – Write it down.
Trace its source – Did this come directly from the trauma, or from what I believe about the trauma?
Test against truth – Does this feeling align with God’s Word?
Honor or challenge – If it’s natural, allow space to feel it. If it’s manufactured, replace it with truth.
Reflection Questions
What strong emotions do you often experience after trauma?
Which of these are natural, and which might be manufactured?
How does Scripture help you distinguish between the two?
Closing Thought
Emotions are powerful, but not all are rooted in truth. CPT helps separate the natural from the manufactured. God’s Word reminds us that while feelings are real, they don’t always tell the truth. Healing involves honoring real emotions while rejecting false ones.
This is the sixth post in an Eight Part Series entitled Healing the Mind and Heart: How CPT Helps with PTSD Through a Biblical Lens. Please be sure to get the whole story by reading each post. I pray they are an encouragement to you.
Post 1: Don't Stay Stuck - God's Path vs. Satan's Trap
Post 2: Understanding PTSD Beyond the Battlefield
Post 3: Why Our Brains Get Stuck in Trauma
Post 4: Quieting the Inner Alarm
Post 5 The Role of Beliefs in Trauma Recovery
Post 6: Natural vs Manufactured Emotions After Trauma
Post 7: The First Step Toward Healing – The Impact Statement
Post 8: Healing the Brain to Heal the Heart
Check back weekly for the next post.
