Every once in awhile-not often but once in awhile-I hear someone say, “God doesn’t care about me.” I could argue the point from Scripture, but for the most part, when a person’s feelings and emotions get involved that is almost an effort in futility. But, then again, that is my go-to. I can’t argue subjective feelings. And that is why we have such messed up ideas of what is right and what is wrong. Subjective feelings vs objective truth. Many don’t want to hear or follow what the Bible says because the objective truth of the Word goes against their subjective feelings. Way back in the late 70s there was a song called “You Light Up My Life” that had the lyrics “It can’t be wrong when it feels so right.” That’s it in a nutshell.
If someone is governed by their feelings how do you/how can you point out right and wrong? “The Bible says” loses out to “But I feel.” I read Psalm 118 this morning. Here are some words that set us on the right path: “The Lord is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me? Yes, the Lord is for me; he will help me. I will look in triumph at those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (verses 6-9 NLT).
I want to add two more verses to that: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust my feelings. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to follow my heart.” Yeah…I know you are not supposed to add to the Word, but I’m not advocating that. I’m taking the current way of thinking and showing how it would work.
Objective truth vs Subjective feelings. You choose. I know which one I do.
Feelings are fickle, indeed, Bill. If we let ourselves go where ever our feelings take us, we will end up rudderless and lost. God gave us the ability to think and to reason, and we should trust His eternal Word to guide and lead us.
Blessings!
Rudderless and lost is a good choice of words. I trust in God’s Word to lead and guide us.
Good point Bill. There is only one true source that we can trust exclusively to be our compass and to show us the difference between objective truth and subjective truth, only God can do that. The deceiver is a master at manipulating our feelings and causing doubt to come into our thoughts. It’s important to first realize I need to put on the armor of God everyday, and know that I can not battle the deceiver on my own. Don’t wait until you are in the battle to call on God, make sure that God is walking with you into all the battles.
You make a good point Gail about not waiting to call on God. Be prepared beforehand having an “exit strategy” instead of waiting until in the heat of the moment.