Do Not Let Your Feelings Control You
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23
When it comes to everyday living, you can walk according to the unchanging principles of God’s Word or by your constantly changing feelings. When you live by God’s Word, you have stability. When you live by your feelings, it’s like riding a roller coaster; one day you’re up, the next day you’re down. God wants to bring you into emotional maturity, but you have to cooperate with Him. This calls for a daily act of your will; choosing to do things His way rather than your own. And once it becomes a habit, you discover that life is more enjoyable. Now, you don’t let everyone who knocks on your door come in and make themselves at home, so why would you let every emotion that surfaces dictate the direction of your day or decide your responses? ‘Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life’ (v. 23). It’s your thinking that produces your feelings, not vice versa! That’s why Paul writes, ‘Capture every thought and make it…obey Christ’ (2 Corinthians 10:5). In other words, if a thought doesn’t line up with God’s Word, don’t give it a voice or a vote. ‘We walk by faith, not by sight’ (2 Corinthians 5:7). This may come as a surprise, but as a Christian, you won’t always feel God’s presence. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to two of His disciples on the Emmaus road, yet they didn’t recognize Him. Why? Because they were occupied with their feelings! How did He lift them out of their negative emotions? ‘He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself’ (Luke 24:27). Bottom line: you must be led only by God’s Word!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me keep my thoughts on You and not be led by my feelings. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Thanks, Tim…This is a great reminder..I did forward this on to Holy Cross Lutheran School (Indianapolis) teachers..remain constant in God’s word..Love it…Sally
Very good devotion. Just what I needed today
Tim: Amen to this devotion. I had to smile because of two comments, both correct. I do find that emotions, however, may not be one day this, the next day another. Sometimes it is hourly or even each minute a change. I do know what you are saying, however.
The other one is about our choosing to follow God’s direction. I have been admonished by fellow Lutherans and even professional church workers for using the word “choose”. Thank you for a proper understanding! We, in our sanctified and redeemed life, do choose. It is not that we choose to follow Jesus before we come to faith. That is His calling. Joshua reminded God’s people to choose whom they would follow; so do we.
Well done this morning.
Ken