Trust: feelings or the truth

Waves are caused by the wind and tides - forces we can't see. We'll have sunk our feet into the sand to let waves crash against us and felt how powerful they are. Feelings can be powerful too. And, like waves, feelings come and go.

Paul, writing to the church in Philippi, says, 'discern what is best' (Philippians 1:10 NIV). Solid advice. We can't always trust our feelings. Why? Because, like waves, they come and go; they're sometimes small and sometimes huge! Here's the lesson: let's test our feelings, otherwise we may allow evil thoughts to control us' (see Colossians 3:5 NCV). We have to test our gut because emotions come in all forms - from accurate (and even God-given) feelings that alert us to danger or give insight into a situation, to the opposite, untrue feelings that make us think we're unwanted and unloved.

Thing is, though, we're not defined by how we feel, but rather by what God says about us. We may feel unwanted, but remember, God says, 'You are very dear, and I love you' (Isaiah 43:4 CEV). It can be difficult to internalise this truth, so we have to choose to get to grips with what God says about us. When we're struggling to know our worth, a head-knowledge of God's word, along with an invitation to the Holy Spirit to be with us, is the starting point for a deeper, heart-knowledge of his love.



So what now? When the feeling-waves hit, stand firm. Trust who God says you are in him and that he loves you.





— SCRIPTURE —

'You may be able to discern what is best.' Philippians 1:10 NIV
— SOULFOOD —

Num 16-18, Luke 7:24-35, Ps 107:33-43, Pro 3:27-28