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"I Can't Feel Anything" Freedom from Emotional Insulation

Writer's picture: Samuel C. PettySamuel C. Petty



Emotional insulation is an inner defense mechanism characterized by indifference and detachment in response to painful, frustrating, or disappointing events. In extreme cases, emotional insulation results in our acceptance of apathy by embracing an emotional shield of “not caring” about the pain occurring to and around us.  


In many ministry settings, I have witnessed the progression of emotional insulation into bound emotions as protecting ourselves from negative emotional experiences by avoiding or reducing emotional exposure becomes custom to our hearts. Further indicators of this negative influence in the lives of those I have ministered to are:  


  • Avoidance of emotional situations: consistently avoiding people, conversations, or circumstances that might stir emotions, preferring to live a “safe” and neutral life 

  • Feeling “stuck” or apathetic: experiencing a sense of emptiness or stale view regarding the motive or enthusiasm for the things that once brought joy.  

  • Inability to express or process emotions: finding it difficult to identify, articulate, or release emotions, often resulting in bound emotions or emotional suppression.  

  • Lack of empathy or emotional connection: struggling to feel compassion or engage deeply in a relationship, often appearing indifferent or detached.  


Although this negative influence may become a protector from pain in the short term, it can have negative effects on our spiritual, emotional, and physical health in the long term.  


Questions to Ask:  


  1. Describe the feeling/situation/ memories that cause feelings of emotional insulation. 

  2. Do you self-medicate these feelings by pulling deeply inward? 

  3. Has your emotional numbness ever gone away? Describe what you are doing when it does. 

  4. Describe a period in your life when you felt emotionally numb. How did you see emotional numbness displayed growing up? 

  5. Do you view yourself as responsible for emotional insulation/numbness? 

  6. What would your life look like socially, spiritually, and emotionally if this negative influence was absent? 

  7. Are there any lies you are believing about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by emotional insulation? 


Connected Influences: Blocked emotions, hindered emotions, emotional numbness, suppressed emotions.  


Scriptural Truth:  


“For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) 


“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” (Psalm 34:18) 


“I am exhausted and completely crushed. My groans come from an anguished heart.” (Psalm 38:8) 


“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” (Hebrews 4:15-16) 


“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” (Revelation 3:15-16) 


How to Pray for Breakthrough from Emotional Insulation (Bound Emotions):


You may pray aloud, using each step below:

 

  1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"


  2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

    1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

    2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"


  3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

    1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).


  4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

    1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)


You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

 





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