Choose the word over your feelings

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us a profound truth: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and your paths will be made straight." This passage invites us into a deep relationship with God, urging us to place our complete trust in Him rather than relying solely on our limited human understanding. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives. When we acknowledge Him in all our ways, we open ourselves up to His guidance and direction, allowing Him to lead us along the right paths that He has prepared for us. This divine guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of life, as it assures us that we are not alone in our journey and that there is a greater purpose at work.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As I observe the community around us, I am increasingly aware that some of you are allowing your feelings to dictate your actions. It is concerning to see how emotions can sometimes cloud judgment and lead us astray. Moreover, some of you are permitting the actions of others to shape your feelings, which ultimately influences your own behavior. This cycle can become detrimental, as we must recognize that allowing our feelings to take precedence over God's Word is a serious mistake. When we succumb to these behaviors, we inadvertently elevate our own voices above God's, placing our emotions on a pedestal that they do not deserve. Are we truly prepared to make our feelings our God? Consider this: our feelings are fleeting and ever-changing, much like sand that shifts beneath our feet. Would you choose to build your life on such an unstable foundation? Or would you rather stand firm on a solid rock, a foundation that is unwavering and steadfast?

Furthermore, reflect on the kind of love you wish to display to your fellow brethren. Do you want to showcase the beauty of Christ's love, or do you prefer to reveal your insecurities? As followers of Christ, we must remain vigilant about our behaviors and patterns, for we may be the only light that someone encounters in their life. Our mission extends beyond ourselves; we are called to create disciples, to share the transformative love of Jesus with those around us. However, how can we fulfill this mission if we allow our feelings to dictate our actions? It is crucial to understand that when we let our emotions override the truth of God's Word, we risk losing our peace, joy, and ultimately, the fruits of the Spirit that God desires for us to bear. Every person, even those who do not yet know the Father, longs for the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are universal desires that transcend our circumstances.

Therefore, let us strive to allow our spirits to govern our flesh, for while our flesh is temporary and often driven by emotion, our spirits are eternal and anchored in the truth of God's promises. Father, we come before You with a humble heart, asking that You engrave Your Word deep within our hearts. Help us to choose Your truth over our fluctuating feelings, and grant us the strength to resist the temptation of comparing ourselves to others. Comparison can lead us down a treacherous path filled with jealousy and discontent, robbing us of the joy that comes from knowing our worth in Your eyes. Remind us that our value is not determined by the opinions of others but by Your unwavering love and acceptance. Your view of us is the only one that truly matters.

Let us hold fast to this truth: no one else's actions can dictate how You perceive us. You alone define our identity, and for that, we are eternally grateful. If our identity were left to the world, we would be left feeling anxious, depressed, insecure, lonely, unworthy, and rejected. Thus, we must be resolute in our identity in You, for if we allow the world to define us, we will surely falter. Please continue to remind us of this foundational truth. Lord, we thank You for defining us by Your goodness and character, and we ask that You continually transform our hearts to reflect Your image more and more each day. For those who feel rejected in this life, remind them that they are accepted in the next life, and that this acceptance by You is what holds true significance. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.