Our decisions in life frequently depend on our five senses. The things we listen to, observe, perceive through smell, and touch significantly shape our choices, ranging from minor to major ones we encounter.
In our earthly existence, we often grapple with the notion of walking by faith over feelings. The demands of daily living and the cares of this world tend to diminish our trust and reliance on God in the many things and decisions we face. Often, our feelings line up with our selfish aims, which contradict God’s Word.
Because of better pay, we agree to work with corrupt organizations. Because we tend to find more pleasure in drugs, alcohol, or promiscuity than in the holy indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we relegate God to the center of our lives. In these instances, we walk by sight and feelings, not faith.
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Why Should We Walk By Faith And Not By Feelings?
David: Walking By Faith And Trust In God
The Lord who delivered me from the paws of lions and bears will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Saul said to David, “Go, the Lord is with you.”
— 1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV)
In the picturesque valleys of ancient Israel, a monumental clash unfolded between the Philistine army, led by the formidable Goliath, and the fearful Israelites. Amidst this scene, a young shepherd named David emerged, armed not with physical might but with unwavering faith.
David’s surroundings showcased the breathtaking beauty of towering mountains and lush green hills. His trust in a higher power fueled his courage as he approached the front lines. Although physically inferior to Goliath, David believed victory hinged on faith, not feelings.
Goliath, emanating arrogance and intimidation, hated God and called for a worthy adversary. The Israelite soldiers quivered, but David remained steadfast. Each step he took seemed to be accompanied by encouragement from the mountains and a gentle breeze through the leaves. Nature recognized the extraordinary faith radiating from him.
As Goliath drew nearer, David’s heart remained steady, devoid of doubt or fear. Holding a simple slingshot and stone, he closed his eyes and focused on the strength of his faith, blocking out the physical world. In one fluid motion, David released the stone, which found its mark on Goliath’s forehead. The giant, once formidable, crashed to the ground.
The Israelites erupted in joy, their fear replaced by reverence. David stood amidst the valley’s beauty, acknowledging that his victory stemmed from unwavering faith, not personal strength. David’s tale spread like wildfire, inspiring generations. His encounter with Goliath became a symbol of hope, demonstrating that feelings of inadequacy or daunting circumstances do not determine battles in life. Instead, faith’s power carries us through the darkest valleys and propels us to triumph.
David exemplified the notion of walking by faith over feelings. His story etched itself into the hearts and minds of those who believe in something more significant, teaching humanity to draw strength from faith and trust God beyond themselves.
The Strengths And Benefits Of Walking By Faith
By choosing faith[1], we can find strength and experience several benefits that empower us on our journey. Let’s delve into a few examples:
Rising Above Circumstances
Consider a situation where you encounter a significant setback in your career. Your feelings may be filled with disappointment, frustration, and doubt. However, when you trust God and walk by faith, you rise above these negative emotions and believe that this setback is an opportunity for growth. You trust that there is a more fantastic plan at work and have faith that something better awaits you.
Developing Inner Peace
Life often presents challenges that can stir up a whirlwind of emotions—stress, anxiety, and fear. By walking by faith over feelings, you cultivate inner peace that is not easily shaken by external circumstances. Faith serves as a grounding force in times of uncertainty or chaos, providing purpose and significance.
It offers solace, assuring you that you’re not alone and that there’s a divine presence guiding your path. Faith brings tranquility and comfort amidst life’s challenges, reminding you of a greater power at work.
Making Wise Decisions
Allowing emotions to influence our decision-making can obscure our ability to think clearly, potentially leading us off course. By allowing fleeting sentiments to guide our choices, we risk making impulsive decisions that prioritize short-term satisfaction over considering the lasting impact they may have.
However, we approach decision-making with wisdom and discernment when we walk by faith. We consider our core values, seek guidance, and trust in God’s Word that our choices align with a higher purpose.
What Will Happen To Our Faith When We Let Our Feelings Replace It?
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
— Proverbs 28:26
When we allow our feelings to override our faith, we open ourselves up to potential detrimental consequences. Our emotions are volatile and influenced by temporary situations, often causing us to lose sight of our core beliefs and values.
Firstly, succumbing to our emotions can lead us to sin. Similar to the biblical story of Jesus being tempted by the Devil, we face alluring enticements in our daily lives. It is crucial to recognize that what appears pleasurable or satisfying in the present may lead us towards sinful actions, regardless of our awareness or intentions. Being mindful of these temptations is essential for making moral choices.
Secondly, relying on our emotions can result in impulsive decisions. For instance, imagine receiving a job offer that promises immediate gratification and a higher salary but goes against your principles and values. If you allow your feelings of financial security and excitement to overshadow your faith, you may hastily accept the offer, only to experience dissatisfaction and regret later.
Furthermore, we risk inconsistency when we let our emotions control our relationships. Being infatuated with someone can close our eyes to red flags or cause us to compromise on essential values. However, if faith guides our relationships, we prioritize building genuine connections based on shared beliefs, trust, and long-term compatibility.
We expose ourselves to potential harm when we allow our feelings to replace faith. Maintaining a balance between our emotions and faith allows us to make wiser decisions, foster healthier relationships, and uphold our core principles.
Managing And Nurturing Emotions
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
— Proverbs 3:5
While we shouldn’t dismiss our emotions entirely, managing and nurturing them is crucial to preventing them from overpowering our faith. Often, our feelings contradict God’s word. Let’s explore a few strategies with practical examples:
1. Prayer: Prayer enables us to rely on God instead of our emotions by surrendering control, seeking guidance, building trust, finding peace, aligning with values, and cultivating gratitude. It helps us detach from fluctuating feelings, providing a stable foundation to make decisions based on faith. Regular prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth support this transformation.
2. Bible reading: God’s Word helps us rely on faith in God, not our emotions, by revealing his character, providing timeless truths, offering perspective and wisdom, strengthening faith, renewing the mind, and giving comfort. By delving into Scripture, we deeply comprehend God’s unwavering commitment, harmonize our thinking with his ultimate truth, and discover solace in his steadfast assurances.
3. Developing self-awareness is crucial: Set aside moments for introspection to understand the roots of your emotions. When anxiety arises, pinpoint triggers and assess how they might test your faith. Through self-awareness, you can intentionally respond to your feelings in a manner consistent with your beliefs, empowering you to navigate life in alignment with your faith.
4. Create a supportive network: Surround yourself with church members, trusted friends, and individuals who share your beliefs. Engage in heartfelt conversations where you can openly discuss your challenges, seek advice, and receive uplifting encouragement along your faith journey. Building these connections will nurture your spiritual growth and provide valuable support. Their perspectives and experiences can remind them to walk by faith, even when emotions run high.
5. Engaging in practices that nurture faith: God calls us to explore activities such as fellowships and spiritual gatherings. For example, if your feelings of doubt or fear overpower your faith, spending time in church or in praise and worship can help center your thoughts and reconnect you with your beliefs.
How To Live By Faith Over Feelings
We live by faith, not by sight.
— 2 Corinthians 5:7
It can be challenging to trust God and prioritize faith over feelings in our current times, as emotions often heavily influence our choices. Consider these instances that illustrate the challenge:
Career Choices
Deciding on a career based on faith instead of fleeting feelings can pose challenges. For example, you might have a lucrative and stable job offering financial security, yet feel unfulfilled or believe your true purpose lies elsewhere. It takes faith to step outside your comfort zone and pursue a different career aligned with your values and passions. The Bible tells us that trusting your convictions can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling professional journey.
Relationships
In relationships, emotions can be intense and influential. However, living by faith means making decisions based on your core beliefs and values rather than solely relying on fleeting feelings. For instance, if you’re in a toxic relationship, your emotions might convince you to stay out of fear or attachment. But living by faith might involve recognizing the unhealthy dynamics and having the courage to prioritize your well-being and seek healthier connections.
Social Issues
Addressing social issues requires living by faith rather than by feelings. For example, advocating for justice and equality may involve standing up for the rights of marginalized groups, even if it goes against popular opinion or triggers discomfort. It requires faith in fairness and equality rather than allowing momentary emotions of indifference or self-interest to guide your actions.
Personal Growth
Embarking on personal growth and self-improvement can be demanding when faced with laziness, doubt, or fear. Living by faith entails dedicating yourself to God’s Word and personal development goals, even when lacking motivation or confidence. It is about persisting, trusting in the process, and pushing through despite any negative emotions that may arise. It involves taking consistent actions based on your belief that growth and self-improvement are essential for a fulfilling life.
Handling Adversity
When facing adversity in our Christian lives, it’s natural for emotions like fear, frustration, or sadness to arise. However, living by faith means finding strength and resilience beyond these emotions. For instance, during a difficult financial period, relying on faith may involve trusting that things will improve, making wise financial decisions based on your beliefs, and seeking support rather than being solely driven by feelings of fear or despair.
Embracing Growth And Learning Through Faith
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
— Hebrews 11:1
Living by faith requires intentional effort and a commitment to personal growth. To navigate life with faith as your guiding light, there are a few practical tips to consider. Firstly, embrace growth and learning through faith. The Bible tells us that rather than viewing challenging situations as setbacks, see them as opportunities for personal development. Trust in God’s Word and know that your faith will guide you towards a better path, even in adversity.
Secondly, seek inspiration from role models who exemplify living by faith. This notion could involve reading about spiritual leaders, historical figures, or personal mentors who have navigated life’s ups and downs with unwavering faith. Their stories can encourage you and serve as guiding examples for your journey.
Additionally, practicing gratitude is essential. God calls us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude by intentionally focusing on the blessings in our lives. Consider starting a gratitude journal where you regularly write down things you are thankful for. This practice shifts your focus from negative emotions to the positive aspects of your life, reinforcing your faith in the goodness surrounding you.
Living by faith over feelings requires ongoing effort and dedication. By embracing personal growth, seeking inspiration from role models, and practicing gratitude, you can strengthen your faith and navigate life with purpose and resilience. Most importantly, we must learn to nourish the Holy Spirit living inside each of us.
Conclusion
Opting to live by faith rather than be swayed by momentary feelings is an intentional choice to transcend the temporal nature of our emotions and realize something more significant. This decision empowers us with resilience, inner serenity, and the capacity to make sound and reasonable choices for ourselves and others.
While our feelings have their place, managing and nurturing them ensures they do not overshadow our faith. Living by God’s perfect Word provides a solid foundation for personal growth and allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. When we worship God and walk by faith, our identity is secured in Jesus Christ.
