Relying on Faith not Feelings
Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 NIV)
Feelings are fickle! I have heard that said for decades and believe it to be true. While my mood may be happy right now, within minutes my emotional state can take a huge turn. Faith, on the other hand, is what remains a constant in my life. However, I confess that I still have some unbelief. Brenda L. Yoder (Mornings with Jesus) shares a life-lesson she learned, and it is worth remembering.
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“Lord, I feel alone,” I wrote in my journal during my morning with Jesus. Tears fell. I finally put words to what I had been feeling for a while. I felt foolish saying I was alone. People were all around me, both personally and professionally. Yet something was missing.
Journaling allowed me to be honest with Jesus and myself. I search for love and companionship in people and experiences rather than seeking the face of Jesus. I didn’t trust He was with me because I often didn’t feel Him—no wonder I felt alone.
Jesus gently assured me He was with me amidst my loneliness, but I often dismissed His presence if my needs were not satisfied by others. He invited me to believe He cares, even if I didn’t see or feel Him in the ways I expected. He told me I would experience more of His presence if I sought Him for my needs rather than putting that expectation on others.
Hebrews 11:1 assures me that faith is not a feeling. It’s a conscious practice of being sure of what you can’t yet see. Jesus asked me to expect His presence with such belief.
I confessed I didn’t have much faith on my own. Like the man in Mark 9:24, I began praying, Jesus, help my unbelief. Anticipating Jesus’s presence, rather than the unmet expectations of others, built my faith and diminished my reliance on my feelings. Slowly, I felt less alone and more complete.
FAITH STEP: When you feel alone, find a scripture to pray that helps you rely on your faith instead of your feelings.
Loving Lord, thank You for being a constant in my life even though I don’t always feel Your Presence. Your Word tells me You are with me and will never forsake me. Please give me more faith! AMEN.