Devotional: Self-Awareness

Identifying Spiritual, Emotional, and Behavioral Blocks

Scripture Focus: Psalm 139:23–24
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” – Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

One of the greatest acts of spiritual maturity is the willingness to ask God to search our hearts. In Psalm 139:23–24, David doesn’t just ask for help or blessings-he asks for clarity. He invites God to examine him, to uncover hidden thoughts, motives, and patterns that may be leading him away from the path of life.

This is the heart of self-awareness: recognizing that we don’t always see ourselves clearly, and humbly inviting God to help us discover what needs to change.

Spiritual, emotional, and behavioral blocks often hide in plain sight. They may look like pride disguised as self-protection, unforgiveness masked as strength, or insecurity clothed in busyness. Fear, resentment, and unhealthy coping habits can quietly sabotage our growth. They distort how we see ourselves, others, and even God.

The Get-Up-and-Go Holist Therapy method offers a practical way to partner with the Holy Spirit in addressing these blocks. It provides a safe, structured, and faith-centered approach to healing. By guiding individuals to explore the why behind emotional reactions and unhealthy habits, this method helps bring root causes to the surface where healing can begin.

Using tools like reflective journaling, Scripture meditation, narrative processing, and vision mapping, Get-Up-and-Go Therapy encourages individuals to face emotional blocks with courage and grace. As we uncover these areas, we can realign with God’s truth, release the burdens we were never meant to carry, and step forward with renewed purpose.

God desires wholeness for every part of us-body, mind, and spirit. When we become aware of what hinders us, and we invite Him to lead us beyond it, He transforms our pain into purpose and our blocks into breakthroughs.

Life-Tip:

Take 10 minutes each day to pause and ask God: “What’s really going on in my heart?” “Where did this come from? What belief is behind it? Is this belief aligned with God’s truth?” Write down what comes to mind. Then, using a Get-Up-and-Go journal approach, reflect on one specific emotion or reaction you experienced during the day. Ask: What triggered it? What belief is it connected to? What truth can I replace it with? This small habit creates powerful shifts over time.

Reflection Questions for Group or Individual Study

1. What stands out to you in Psalm 139:23–24? Why is it sometimes hard to ask God to search our hearts?
2. Have you identified any emotional or behavioral patterns in your life that may be blocking your growth?
3. Which of these emotional blocks-pride, unforgiveness, insecurity, fear, resentment, or unhealthy habits-do you struggle with most?
4. How does it make you feel to know that God wants to help you identify and heal those blocks without shame or condemnation?
5. What are some ways the Get-Up-and-Go Holist Therapy method could help you or someone you mentor walk through emotional healing?
6. What small action can you take this week to invite God to reveal what’s hidden and lead you in the way everlasting?
7. In what ways can your group, ministry, or church provide a safe space for people to become more self-aware and emotionally healed?

Dr. Barbosa provides services to client in English, Portuguese and Spanish.  for an appointment -https://drmariabarbosa.com/palm-coast-holistic-therapy/ or text to WhatsApp (386)206-6325