“Conquering Emotions & Reclaiming Identity: Walking by Faith in the Midst of Emotional Storms”

Dear Sister,

Do you ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of emotions—waves of grief and depression, sudden anxiety and panic attacks, hidden jealousy, deep loneliness, or moments of sadness that just won’t lift?

You’re not alone.

I’ve been there—sitting in the quiet, crying out to God, wondering why I feel so far from the truth I know.

I’ve walked through some dark valleys in my life—communism, miscarriages, deep suicidal depression, years of panic attacks where I feared I’d lose my mind or die young, and the grief of losing both of my parents in a year apart. And now, another very hard season, I’m standing, standing strong—emotionally steady and mentally clear. Not because it’s easy, not because it doesn't hurt, not because I've got it all together, but because over the years, I’ve learned how to apply God’s truth, learned how to stand by faith and how to take my thoughts captive and rule my emotions. I learned who my Daddy is, I learned who I am in Christ, and I don’t let my feelings lead me anymore.

This is a process (which I am still walking out). It doesn't come easy and it takes time, grace, forgiveness and dedication.

But here's the good news: You are not alone and you don't have to stay trapped in your feelings.

There is a way out, and His name is Jesus.

He has already made a way for us to walk by faith, not by emotion.

To live by truth, not by trauma.

To stand firm in identity, not insecurity.

In my book Compromised Identity, I talk about how the enemy subtly warps our sense of self by planting emotional strongholds—making us believe our feelings define us. But God's Word shows us something far greater: our spirit, anchored in Christ, is unshakeable—even when our emotions are all over the place.

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7

This verse isn’t just a poetic phrase—it’s a lifeline.

It means we are not led by what we see, feel, or fear, but by what God has already said.

That’s a radical way to live—but it's the path of freedom.

💥 THE WAR WITHIN: EMOTIONS VS. IDENTITY

Emotions are not the enemy. They are indicators, not dictators. They point to areas in our soul that still need healing—but they do not define our worth or determine our future.

God created our emotions, but He never intended for them to govern us.

The choice is ours.

Let’s break this down:

• Grief says, "You’ll never feel whole again."But the truth is: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)

• Anxiety whispers, “You’re out of control.”But God says: “Be anxious for nothing… let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

• Loneliness screams, “You’re forgotten.”But the truth stands: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

• Jealousy and comparison lie, “You’re not enough. You missed your chance.”But heaven declares: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14)

• Depression says, “You’ll never get out of this.”But Jesus says: “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Sister, your emotions are valid, but they are not final, if you don't let them rule you.

WHAT DOES WALKING BY FAITH LOOK LIKE?

Walking by faith means choosing God's truth over our internal turmoil.

Choosing to trust the Word of God, more than our stinking mindsets or unwanted emotions or even what we see in the natural realm.

It means confronting every lie and replacing it with Scripture.

It's how we reclaim our identity—one truth at a time.

Faith, called the covering shield, which you can quench ALL the flaming missiles of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16 AMPC.)

Faith is YOUR PROTECTIVE ARMOR!!!

In Compromised Identity, I write:

“Your identity was settled at the cross. The blood of Jesus didn’t just forgive your sin—it redefined your worth. You’re not who pain said you were. You’re not who fear claims you are. You are who God says you are: chosen, redeemed, whole, and victorious.”

Let me give you some tools you can conquer emotional storms:

1. Pause. When the emotion rises—pause. Don’t react. Breathe. Refocus your thoughts from the storm, emotions, running thoughts, to the Lord. See Him on the throne of heaven, as a Conquering KING, who is on your side.

2. Pray. Turn to the Father. He gave you His Holy Spirit to be with you at all times. Ask Him what lie is attached to that feeling. Communicate your feelings with Him, but don't end there. Go to the WORD, which is your LIFELINE and find a promise you exchanging your feelings with.

   Example: See yourself giving your various emotions and thought to the Lord and see Him exchange it with a promise He is giving you. (Imagine it. There is supernatural power in our imagination.)

3. Proclaim. Declare the Word. Speak it out loud. Your voice is your weapon.

4. Praise. In Psalm 103 David told his soul (mind, will & emotions) what to do. He told his soul to bless the Lord. As you start praising the Lord, regardless of your feelings, breakthrough will manifest in your soul.

5. Practice. Faith is a practice. Replace toxic thought patterns with truth—daily. Sometimes every possible moment, to keep those negative emotions out.

6. Persevere. Freedom is a process. Give yourself grace, but stay rooted in truth.

   In Philippians 2:12, Paul encourage us to work out our own soul salvation with fear and trebling. Thats a process and work.

   
   

A SIMPLE EXERCISE: FEELING VS. FAITH

Write down a recurring emotion you’ve been battling. Then ask:

• What lie is attached to this?

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the root of that emotion.

• What does God say in His Word instead?

  
  

Example:

• Feeling: I feel rejected.

• Lie: No one wants me. I’m not lovable.

• Truth: “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3)

• Feeling: I feel like nothing is changing—I'm stuck.

• Lie: God must have forgotten me. Maybe this is all there is.

• Truth: “The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” – Psalm 138:8

  
  

  Declaration: God is working behind the scenes. My story is still unfolding.

  
  

  Faith Response: I may not see it yet, but I trust that God is moving. Delay is not denial. My breakthrough is on the way.

  
  

  Do this often. This is how your soul gets re-trained to agree with your spirit.

🔊 DAILY DECLARATIONS TO REFRAME YOUR DAY

Speak these out loud each morning:

• I am not ruled by my emotions—I am led by the Spirit of God.

• I take every thought captive and make it obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

• I am seated with Christ in heavenly places. My position is secure. (Ephesians 2:6)

• I walk in peace, not panic. Joy is my strength.

• I reject fear, insecurity, and comparison. I choose truth, confidence, and purpose.

• I am not a victim. I am more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:37)

  
  

🙏 PRAYER FOR THE WOUNDED SOUL

Father, in the name of Jesus,I come to You with all my feelings—raw, real, and often heavy. But today, I choose truth over turmoil. I confess that my identity is not based on what I feel, but on what You finished. Jesus, You are my solid ground. Heal the places in my soul that are still bleeding. Renew my mind. Break every lie that has ruled my thoughts and replace it with the truth of who I am in You. I reject the label of depression, anxiety, comparison, loneliness, and victimhood. I put on the garment of praise, the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and I take up the shield of faith. I will walk by faith—not sight, not emotion. Let Your Word become the loudest voice in my life. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

❤️ FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

Sister, if you’re battling deep feelings today—don’t give up. These emotions are not permanent, and they are not your identity. They are the battle zone where your faith grows. You have the authority to reject lies, stand in truth, and walk in peace.

Every time you choose to believe what God says over what you feel, you’re strengthening your identity in Christ. You're reclaiming territory. You're being transformed from the inside out.

You are not who pain says you are. You are who God declares you to be.

Live from that place—and you’ll see freedom begin to bloom.

With love, truth, and faith

Stella Maxwell

Author of Compromised Identity

Founder of Fully Loaded Women's Organization

💻 www.fullyloadedwomen.org

Feel free to order a copy on Amazon!