How often in life have you discovered that “all is not as it appears” and that information, people, places and situations are not, in fact, what they look like?
People appear one way, but they are not being who they really are; others say things, but their words are full of deception. Businesses, holiday destinations and those selling their wares post pictures, but when you arrive or buy their goods, they look nothing like what was initially presented to you.
Our feelings can also be great, and our emotional responses are usually positive, good things. Yet as important as our emotions are, they are not always indicative of the truth and can also be in response to misunderstandings, fears, negative thoughts, lies, or even our fantasies.
Emotions shouldn’t totally be relied upon to gauge truth and what we believe, as there is no end to the varying number of feelings that can flow through our life on a daily basis.
The key is to learn how to differentiate between feelings that originate out of our own imaginations, circumstances and fears and those that originate from the truth.
We discover how to do this and maintain an emotional balance by regularly keeping a check on our feelings and the thoughts behind them.
Today, I encourage you to seek wisdom and God, who does not change like shifting shadows. If you ask, He will help you see and hear the truth over lies, fear or things that appear okay but aren’t and lead you in the way you should go.
You don’t have to disregard your emotions, but you can stop being controlled by them, especially if they’re causing fear, dragging you back to the past, or leading you astray or down a black hole.
The Bible says that “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.” (Proverbs 29:11)
The wisest course of action is to check on feelings and align your life with who God says you are in His Word and what He says your future holds, rather than being tossed about by every thought, conversation, hormone, or circumstance we “feel”.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. (James 1:5)
Your day will be much more enjoyable, we’ll make wiser decisions, and those who share our lives will no doubt breathe a sigh of relief at our new emotional equilibrium.
Base how you think and consequently how you feel today in God’s word, who He says you are, and what your future looks like, and then go and have a great day!
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32 NIV)
“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever, they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.” (Ephesians 4:14-15)
“A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.” (Proverbs 15:13)
Prayer: Lord, please give me wisdom and discernment so that I will no longer be “taken in” and deceived by situations or people who are not what they appear or aren’t the best for me. Help me to be balanced in my emotions and not to let my feelings rule my life, but rather to live in the truth of who you say I am. In Jesus name Amen.