Feelings vs Truth
Emotions and feelings are good indicators of what our hearts reveal. It's a beautiful and painful part about sanctification, the removal of flesh and putting on of righteous, Spirit-changed lives. God is so gracious to not let us dwell in our old lives and old sins.
May this exercise inspire you to do the same, to choose to take your thoughts captive and renew your mind with Scripture - the only unchanging and unfading thing on earth. When we set the foundation of our feelings on Christ and His word, our anchor and roots run deep in satisfaction with Him.
When I feel lonely and unseen, I know the Lord always sees me and wants to be close to me. (Psalm 139:1-13)
When I feel unloved and unworthy, I know the Lord chose me and calls me beloved, more than a conqueror. (Colossians 3:12, Romans 8:37)
When I feel the shame of the past or shame of a repented sin, I know that my sins are completely forgiven by the work of Christ on the cross (Romans 6:7, 1 Peter 2:24, Hebrews 11:11)
When I feel like my faith is wavering with doubts, I know I am to look to Jesus as the author and perfecter of my faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
When I feel like I am weak to love, He gives me power through His Spirit in my inner being (Ephesians 3:16, 1 Cor. 2:5)
When I feel hopeless in this world and country, I know that the Lord is preparing a new city and a new home for those with faith as heirs to the future kingdom. (Hebrews 11:16, James 2:5)
When I feel the overwhelming grief of something or someone I’ve lost, I know there is coming a time where all my tears will be wiped away. (Rev 21:4, Romans 8:18)
When I feel incredible pain or sickness, I know that this temporary body will be overshadowed by eternal bliss in the presence of God. (Rev. 21:4, Romans 8:18)
When I feel embarrassed of my faith or ashamed, I can stand unashamed because my love of the Gospel and for the lost overshadows my fear because I want to see them avoid eternal punishment. And if I believe Christ it the best choice, I will act like it/share it. (Rev. 21:8, Rom. 1:16, Eph. 2:8, 1 John 5:11)
When I feel frustrated/angry at someone, I know I need to repent of my own sin first, listen, forgive, and remember I don’t need to get my way. (James 1:19, James 4:1, Eph. 4:32, Prov. 14:29)
When I am worried about something, I can take it to the Lord instead of my friends with prayer and rejoicing to receive true and lasting peace. (Phil. 4:6, Col. 3:15)
When I feel like saying something rude or passive aggressive, I need to take my thoughts captive and rely on the Spirit to give me words to say that are kind and loving instead. (Prov. 29:11, Prov. 15:18, Rom. 12:19, Psalm 139:23, 2 Cor. 10:5)
When I feel uncertain about unplanned circumstances, I will trust in the Lord and not my own confusion/understanding and He will act. (Prov. 3:5, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 56:3, Psalm 37:5)
When I am feeling like my children are pressing in on every side of my nerves, I remember where they come from as a gift from the Lord who made them. (Ps. 127:3, James 1:17, Matt. 19:14)
When I feel even physically tired from lack of sleep, I know that the Lord will bring me sleep again and sustain me. (Psalm 4:8, Psalm 3:5, Psalm 3:3, Matthew 6:26)
When I feel like I struggle saying the right things, or the best things, I remember that it is the Gospel and God’s words that save, not my own wisdom. (1 Cor. 1:17)