- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Feelings vs Faith
'I feel bad enough right now to die' MARK 14:34
Have you ever felt one way, but had people tell you that as a Christian you shouldn't? Ever heard 'Don't feel like that. If you trusted God and prayed more......Sort it out and get over it!'? You feel like the bottom has fallen out of your world, things couldn't get any worse, then your so-called mate says that, and then you feel worse! They don't say it to make things worse; they really do mean well, but you don't need to hear it then. With friends like those...well, you know the rest of that saying! Are you on your own feeling like that? No! Check out Job's story in the Old Testament to see a bunch of well-meaning friends who didn't really help much! So if 'encouraging' words don't help, what do we do when we feel pants?
Firstly, understand that feelings are human emotions; even Jesus had them! He didn't deny or hide them, or beat Himself up for having them; He openly acknowledged them, but processed them in a healthy way. He prayed that God would take them away. It's ok to want that! God didn't yell at Him or tell Him to get over it, did he?
Secondly, know that feelings don't dictate your options, or eliminate your choices. You can still make good choices when you're feeling bad. Follow Jesus' example in Mark 14:36 - choose God's will, whatever you feel, and He'll strengthen you to handle the tough times.
written by Bob Gass
'I feel bad enough right now to die' MARK 14:34
Have you ever felt one way, but had people tell you that as a Christian you shouldn't? Ever heard 'Don't feel like that. If you trusted God and prayed more......Sort it out and get over it!'? You feel like the bottom has fallen out of your world, things couldn't get any worse, then your so-called mate says that, and then you feel worse! They don't say it to make things worse; they really do mean well, but you don't need to hear it then. With friends like those...well, you know the rest of that saying! Are you on your own feeling like that? No! Check out Job's story in the Old Testament to see a bunch of well-meaning friends who didn't really help much! So if 'encouraging' words don't help, what do we do when we feel pants?
Firstly, understand that feelings are human emotions; even Jesus had them! He didn't deny or hide them, or beat Himself up for having them; He openly acknowledged them, but processed them in a healthy way. He prayed that God would take them away. It's ok to want that! God didn't yell at Him or tell Him to get over it, did he?
Secondly, know that feelings don't dictate your options, or eliminate your choices. You can still make good choices when you're feeling bad. Follow Jesus' example in Mark 14:36 - choose God's will, whatever you feel, and He'll strengthen you to handle the tough times.
written by Bob Gass
