Tammy Ingram

The Shame of Not Feeling Joy

Day 7

“A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”

—Isaiah 53:3

Narrative:

Joy feels like a foreign language. You see lights, hear music, watch others laugh—and instead of warmth, you feel guilt.

“Why can’t I feel what they feel?”

Because you’re not made of plastic. Because your brain is fighting for equilibrium.

Because your heart is carrying too much weight.

Jesus felt sorrow deeply. You are not defective for not feeling joy.

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 42:5; Hebrews 4:15

Questions:

1. Where do you feel pressured to “feel better”?
2. What emotion do you actually feel right now?
3. Can you let that emotion exist without shame?

Prayer:

Lord, release me from guilt. Let me feel what I feel. Stay with me in the sorrow. Amen.