I am bent over and racked with pain. All day long I walk around filled with grief. Psalm 38:6

Emotional intimacy is one of the five components of an intimate relationship. Feelings are our spontaneous, emotional responses to what we encounter through the five senses. I hear that the neighbor’s dog died, and I feel sad. I see the fire truck racing down the road, and I feel troubled. My wife touches my hand, and I feel loved. I see her smile, and I feel encouraged.

Your inner life is filled with emotions, but no one sees them. Sharing your feelings builds emotional intimacy. Allowing your mate into your inner world means being willing to say, “I’m feeling a lot of fear right now” or, “I am really happy tonight.” These are statements of self-revelation.

Psalm 38:6 gives just one of many examples of the psalmist pouring out his heart to God. King David and the other writers of the psalms were honest about their feelings of sadness, depression, anger, and grief, as well as their feelings of joy, adoration, and celebration. And that kind of straightforward self-revelation only increased their intimacy with God.

Learning to talk about emotions can be one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Such sharing requires an atmosphere of acceptance. If I am assured that my spouse will not condemn my feelings or try to change my feelings, then I am far more likely to talk about them.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for wanting to hear our feelings. I know sharing emotions as a couple will help us grow closer. I pray that you will help us cultivate a loving, accepting atmosphere where we can share freely.