The answer…well, it’s COMPLICATED.
What’s my quick answer?
NO!!
Or at least not the way our human nature makes us feel like we can.
Feelings can be so overwhelming and seem SO true; they can completely overpower us! Our bodies, minds, and actions can all be controlled and manipulated by our feelings.We want to follow them first because they often appear first while we are navigating through life, and they came from us so we can trust them right?
Our culture does not help…”Follow your heart” or “Go with your gut,” it says. Making it seem as though a good feeling or a bad feeling is enough to guide us through life.
But…Can we really depend on our feelings to direct us in our everyday actions and decision making?
As a woman FULL of FEELINGS, I can tell you with 100% certainty that following this advice would be a complete TRAINWRECK and result (typically) in regret and embarrassment. Anyone been there? Something you entertained in your mind became something that emotionally drove you to act. I know I have TOO many times! (Insert facepalm here!)
So… should we NOT listen to our feelings AT ALL?
Also, WRONG!
God gave our feelings to us. They are EXTREMELY important and should not be neglected or ignored! Feelings are completely necessary to alert us that something is going on and we need to pay attention! God uses our feelings to grab us, to make us think, seek Him, and act.
What happens when we ignore or avoid them?
In an effort not to be crazy, I have done this MANY times. I try to act like what I am feeling isn’t there or distract myself with a task, TV, social media, or a hobby.
In my experience, the feeling feeds my mind which creates scenarios/ideas that are not true. From there, my thoughts breed worry, discontentment, resentment, or anger. The feelings then grow and fester into something really ugly. They start to control me and pretty soon, some feelings have manifested themselves into a full on ugly, crazy sin monster!
Today, I have been flooded with feelings, and my chest and gut are TENSE! My mind is swirling, and I feel emotional as I think about all the “what ifs” floating around in my mind.
You know what that tells me? I need time to think, write, pray, and figure out what caused this.
I have to ask myself, “What am I actually feeling/thinking?” “What am I really upset about?” “What is TRUE about the situation?” and “What does God’s word say about it?” That’s why we have to take what is thrown at us and work it through this system.
Scripture says to “[cast] down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
This isn’t easy. You are stopping yourself from reacting immediately after you have feelings.
- You feel something in your body that immediately goes to your mind, and you STOP there!
- You do the HARD work of being honest with yourself and God.
- You give yourself time to calm down and understand the truth about what is going on and allow God to inform how and when you will react.
BUT… enjoy this reassurasure. Let this truth wash over you.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9
Is this hard? OH MY GOODNESS, YES!!! Is it humbling? YOU BET! Is it worth all the time and sometimes tears…ABSOLUTELY!
There is NOTHING like the PEACE of God! Drink it up; it’s abundant, and it’s a free gift from God as often as you seek Him.
But What's the Truth? 