Feelings and God's Will

No posts September 4th and 5th.  Will resume Monday, September 8th.

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Chuckle: "Cosmetics were used in the Middle Ages; in fact they're still used in the middle ages."

Quote: “You cannot make yourself feel something you do not feel, but you can make yourself do right in spite of your feelings.” --Pearl S. Buck

FEELINGS AND GOD'S WILL

    "Do not conform yourselves any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom.12:2 NIV).

Our feelings are not reliable and often mislead us.  Here are some examples. (1) Sometimes Christians may feel worthless to God and others. This may be the way you feel, but God sees you as His precious child, a citizen of heaven, a special person.  (2) You may not feel God's presence in your life.  Does this mean his presence is not with you?  When you feel this way, read Hebrews 13:5, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  This promise is true regardless of our feelings.  (3) Sometimes we don't feel the strength to do what we know God wants us to do.  Remember, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13 NIV) -- if I trust Him and not my feelings.

Feelings are influenced by circumstances, people, and the devil.  We must test our feelings against the truths of his Word.  Satan will try to get you to doubt divine truths and make you feel down and discouraged.  Feelings must not be allowed to determine your decisions in life.  Your feelings of need for acceptance, approval, belonging, etc., may mislead you into making bad decisions that can ruin your life.

If you purchase your dream home based on your feelings and it is beyond your means, trouble is on the way.  Your decision was not based on truth.  The most basic truth is if you don't accept Jesus Christ as Savior, you will spend eternity separated from God in a place the Bible calls "hell," no matter how you feel about it.  Can you see the problem with making important decisions based on feelings. Controlling our feelings is not easy.  This quote reveals the reason:

"The human personality is said to consist of roughly four-fifths emotions and one-fifth intellect. This means that our decisions are arrived at on the basis of 80 percent emotions (feelings) and only 20 percent intellect (reasoning). To engage in a confrontation, or even a discussion, without taking emotions into account is to be only 20 percent effective in your dealings with people." –Unknown source

Understanding the importance of human emotions is essential for successful interpersonal relationships.  And we must also recognize how powerful our own emotions and feelings are and let God's will from his Word override our feelings when it comes to making life's decisions.

Love, Jerry & Dotse