In the Christian life “faith over feelings” is a way of running our emotions or reactions through God’s Word. Our fickle feelings are often irrational and based solely on a difficult situation or the moment’s excitement. Faith means trusting that God knows best and He will do a good work in us (Philippians 1:6 HCSB).
This focus is completely contradictory to today’s worldview of doing what “makes you happy” or “live your truth.” The problem with these societal views is the basis of action on emotion instead of relying on the truth of God being led by the Holy Spirit.
Who doesn’t love a freebie?
Sign up below to receive my 5 Bible verses to combat anxiety!Email addressGet on the list
Emotional responses are almost always reactionary responses and reactions are typically powered by desires of the flesh. Paula Jean
This post contains affiliate links
We all battle negative thoughts and feelings of doubt because we are sinful people. That’s the whole reason we must lean on Christ Jesus and not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 HCSB). The Bible makes it clear that God is our rock and our firm foundation therefore, leaning upon Him is a must. According to Mental Health Daily, emotional upheaval can be considered any [unexpected] surge of emotion that causes significant psychological distress for an individual. If we focus solely on emotion our mental health would be in a constant state of turmoil. Emotions rise and fall and that’s normal but if our entire life is focused on those ups and/or downs we set ourselves up for mental or physical health issues.
We all have different ways of coping with distress and I’ve been the reactionary and the Jesus Christ dependent. My largest reactionary feelings moment was when I left home at the age of 17 as a broken teenager searching for comfort and peace. I found God’s presence and unconditional love at the absolute right time. I found how to have faith.
Before I was saved I was only reactionary and honestly thought I was inherently good and could do no wrong. At 17, the only thing I knew was world views. I longed for something more, much like every lost person searching to fill that empty void.
Obviously, God can use reactions to fulfill His ultimate purpose because we cannot thwart God’s plans. He knows we’re not perfect and He still wants us to turn to Him when fear and anxiety wage war against His children. Instead of reacting to circumstances, we are to take action against them with the authoritative word of God.
This action is faith over feelings. Having faith in the God of the universe and knowing that He has the master plan. Trusting that He knows what is best in all situations regardless of the outcome. We turn to the triune God because we have the assurance of things unseen according to God’s promises.
Faith is not a free pass to commit sin, whether it be sins of sexual immorality or sins of greed, envy, or strife. God is a just God. He is a good God! He gave us His only begotten Son because of His love for us. Would your god give his only child over to be crucified in place of your misdeeds? Would you trade your child to pay for your neighbor’s crimes?
A loving, just God does what is right and true even if it means He has to bear the pain. Would you like to know more about God and how to have faith over feelings?
