FEELINGS ARE DECEPTIVE!
I don’t know how many times I have written or said that. It came back to me this morning (again) as I read Psalm 13 during my morning devotions. Please follow along with my thoughts with an open Bible to Psalm 13.
David writes, “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?” (Verse 1a). But then he writes, “But I trust in your unfailing love.” (Verse 5a)
David writes, “How long will you look the other way?” (Verse 1b). But then he writes, “Because he is good to me.” (Verse 6b)
David writes, “How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?” (Verse 2a). But then he writes, “I will sing to the Lord.” (Verse 6a)
David writes, “How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (Verse 2b). But then he writes, “I will rejoice because you have rescued me.” (Verse 5b) (All Scripture is from NLT)
How could David sound one moment like a lost sheep, then turn around just a few verses later with confidence and assurance of God’s presence and love? The answer is David feelings said one thing; his faith and belief said another. David felt lost and defeated. But those feelings we deceptive and wrong. We must stop relying on our feelings to rule and determine our beliefs and outlook. Instead, we need to trust and KNOW and BELIEVE that God is so much greater than our feelings.
{On another note: This morning at 9:00 a young friend named Keaton, whom I have never met, but who is friends with one of our young men, has fought cancer since he was 7. He is now 14 and today he is having surgery at Riley Hospital for a tumor wrapped around his spinal cord. Please pray for healing if it is God’s will to do so. Interesting fact: a little over a year ago I lost a dear friend to prostate cancer. Jim and I had been friends for 30+ years. We put many miles on our bicycles riding and talking. He fought bravely for 15 years. I had failed to make the connection until it was cemented yesterday that Keaton’s mom, Jessica, is Jim’s daughter from his first short-lived marriage. Your prayers for Keaton and family would be appreciated}.
Lord, have mercy on Keaton and his family!
The Psalms always give me hope. Not because they are always positive. They give me hope because they are real, they are honest, they show us the struggle. And yet, faith prevails!
Thanks for praying for them Pam. And yes, the Psalms does show faith.
Of course, I will be praying for Keaton, Bill, for successful surgery and complete recovery. What a small world we live in and a miracle that God brings us full circle in such circumstances. Wow!
Belief over feelings, every time.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. And yeah, small world indeed. Agreed on belief over feelings every time. I will praying for Danny tomorrow.
Praying for Keaton and family this morning… I do agree with your thoughts on feelings vs faith. We can often get pinned down by our own feelings and veils the enemy puts over us. Thankfully, we have a Father who is with us, every step of the way. I just need to remember to reach out to Him and continue moving forward.
True Ryan. We do get pinned down. What a great way to put it. I am thankful for a Father who is with me every step of the way.
Praying for Keaton and his family, we also prayed for Keaton and his family last night in pray group. Praying that the Lord heals him and that he remains cancer free, and that Keaton is completely healed.
I think about how many times I have let my feelings dictate my circumstances, and letting those feeling block hearing from God. When God has been right there the entire time, I needed to hear His voice over my own. I think how selfish that is when Keaton has been struggling with cancer for seven years now. David was promised to be King and yet he was chased, and hunted down and forced to live a life on the run for roughly 13 years. The apostle Paul put his feelings a side, even though several of his epistles were written from prison or after severe beatings. I want to write Philippians 4:10-13 on my heart, and remember God has promised to never leave us or forsake us Deuteronomy 31:18.
First, thanks for the prayers for Keaton. I believe God can heal him or use him greatly in his struggle. Second, you make a good point about allowing our feelings to block hearing from God. It is hard to hear when we are in our own way.