Our Story Drives Our Emotions

by

Reading: 1 Samuel 22; Psalm 52
Key Verse: Psalm 52:8–9 “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. For what you have done I will always praise you…”

Personal Reflection:

Emotions are poor guides. They rarely lead us to truth and often keep us circling the drain of negativity. They respond to the story we’re telling ourselves—not necessarily to reality. If we want emotional clarity, we must learn to lead our emotions by examining the story behind them.

Scripture Insight:

“Between what we observe and what we feel, we craft a story” . We assign motives, make judgments, and interpret meaning. That story—not the event—drives our emotions. (Crucial Conversations chapter 5)
1 Samuel 22 illustrates this vividly. Saul’s story: “Everyone is against me. David is plotting to kill me. Even the priests are conspiring!” (vv. 7–8, 13–14). His emotions—fear, betrayal, rage—led to a horrific slaughter of 85 priests and their families (vv. 18–19).

David’s story was different. Though burdened with guilt (v. 22), he turned to God, took responsibility, and offered refuge to Ahimelech’s son (v. 23). In Psalm 52, David declares trust in God’s unfailing love and praises Him—even in chaos.

Same facts. Different stories. Drastically different outcomes.

Application:

We all tell ourselves stories. Often, they happen so fast we don’t realize it. But those stories shape our emotions and actions. Saul stayed in his own head. David turned to God. That made all the difference.
Let’s pause and ask: What story am I telling myself? Is it true? Is it godly? Is it leading me toward peace or destruction?

Prayer:

Lord, help me recognize the stories I’m telling myself. Teach me to take every thought and story captive, and make it obedient to your truth (2 Cor 10:5). May the truth shape my emotions, and help me to respond with grace, not fear.

Reflection Questions:

  • What story are you telling yourself today?
  • Is it based on truth or assumption?
  • How might your emotions change if you rewrote that story with God’s perspective?
  • What would it look like to “flourish in the house of God” this week

Leave a Reply