When I was young, I was sometimes afraid to be happy because they said that after happiness comes sadness. But when I became an adult, I learned that life is a mix of joy and sorrow. One minute you’re hopeful, and the next, anxiety or doubt creeps in. Emotions can rise and fall so quickly, making it hard to keep steady.
But here’s the truth: while emotions are powerful, they don’t have to control us. Here are some powerful ways to let faith, not feelings, guide our steps.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings, but Don’t Let Them Lead You.
God created us with emotions, and they’re part of being human. It’s okay to feel not to be okay, as they said. The key is to acknowledge what we’re feeling without letting it dictate our actions or beliefs. Emotions can be like waves—they ebb and flow. But while emotions change, God’s truth remains constant.
Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on Psalm 61:2 – “From the ends of the earth, I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember that God is your unchanging Rock, steady and sure.
2. Turn to Scripture for Stability
When emotions are intense, they can cloud our perception of reality. This is why it’s crucial to root ourselves in God’s Word. Scripture reminds us of who God is, His promises, and His faithfulness. When we focus on His Word, it’s easier to shift from our temporary feelings to the eternal truth of His love and power.
Practical Step: Write down a few Bible verses that speak to God’s faithfulness and peace, like Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Keep these verses close, and read them aloud when you’re feeling swayed by emotions.
3. Practice Gratitude to Shift Your Focus
It’s amazing how gratitude can transform our perspective. When emotions run high, listing things we’re thankful for shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what God is doing right. Gratitude helps us remember that God is working in our lives, even in the midst of challenges.
Challenge: Start a “Gratitude Journal” where you jot down three things you’re thankful for every day. These moments of gratitude don’t have to be huge—they can be as simple as a warm cup of coffee, a friend’s encouragement, or a beautiful sunset.
Remember, Faith is a Choice—Not a Feeling
Our emotions can be powerful, but they aren’t the foundation of our faith. Faith is a choice, an intentional decision to trust in God’s character and His promises, no matter what we feel in the moment. Choosing faith over feelings means we hold on to God’s truth, even when it doesn’t align with how we feel.
The next time emotions run high, remember that you have a choice. You can choose to lean into God’s unchanging truth, to find peace in His promises, and to let faith, not feelings, lead the way.
Encouragement: Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” When emotions threaten to shake your confidence, hold on to this verse as a reminder that faith is about trusting God’s unseen but steady hand in your life.
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yes, we must always conquer our emotions. 😊
thank you for such insight!
Amen! Choosing faith over what I feel.