One of the most powerful forces in our lives is our feelings. We make countless decisions every day based on how we feel. This is dangerous for living a faith filled life. As Christians, we must remember that we are believers, not feelers. Our emotions can (and do!) lie to us. Remember the famed, warning of Jeremiah…

“the heart is deceitful above all and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”  (Jeremiah 17:9)

The truth is, we experience all sorts of things in life. Yes, while your experiences may be true, the resulting feelings and beliefs that arise from them may not be true. We must continually remind ourselves that feelings are not the truth. Feelings are meant to be felt, but they cannot take a greater influence in our life than they are meant to take.

Some people will over correct on this warning and never trust anything their heart or emotions say. That is not the correct response either. Remember, God actually wants to give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Your heart plays an important role. It’s the belief in your heart for how you are saved (Romans 10:9). So don’t be too quick to shut off every emotion and inclination of your heart.

So what are we to do? We are to seek the scriptures. You might be thinking, “What? How can the Bible that was written thousands of years ago help me process what I am experiencing today?”

I used to think the same thing. But though the Bible is written on a stack of dead trees, the Bible is not dead. In fact the Bible is alive.

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Here’s how you can not let your feelings run your life.

First, your feelings need to be brought under the Lordship of Jesus to be told that they are not in control. Your feelings are not the truth. You are a believer not a feeler! Practice this daily.

Second, we need to examine our feelings and emotions against the truth of the scriptures.

• Are you feeling worthless? That’s not the truth because says God says you are valuable to Him (Psalm 139:13-16).
• Are you feeling hopeless and that God doesn’t care? That is not the truth. God calls you to cast your anxiety on to Him for He does care (1 Peter 5:7).
• Are you feeling like God has left you alone? That’s not the truth because God says He will never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
• Feeling weak and helpless? That’s not the truth because God says He will strengthen and help you (Isaiah 41:10)

There is a truth in the Bible for every lie you believe. See it it out and don’t let your feelings run your life.

Some practical application

1. Ask yourself, what am I feeling and write it down.
2. Ask yourself, what lies are you believing about yourself or God? Share your feelings with friends and help identify any lies
3. Answer each lie with the truth. Seek the Bible to answer each lie with a truth and enlist your friends to help demolish every lie.