And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32 (ESV)
It’s shocking how many people believe their feelings are truth.
Now, we know that feelings are real. By that, I mean that our feelings exist. But if I lived according to my feelings, I wouldn’t get up and preach half the time! I love Sundays, but sometimes I wake up feeling tired and think, “It’d be nice to just go out for breakfast with Sally instead.” I’ve learned to not submit to feelings that don’t match up with what God’s Word says and His call on my life.
For example, sometimes I might feel unappreciated. Meanwhile, it’s not true. My wife, kids and friends appreciate me. I might feel unloved some days, but that’s also untrue. I’m deeply loved! It’s just a feeling.
Feelings are fickle and a poor indicator of truth. Now, I understand the power and depth of feelings, but we need to be able to judge and assess when they’re based on a lie. If we live governed by fickle emotions, it’ll take us down wrong paths.
“Feelings” can destroy relationships, our drive to succeed, and our relationship with God. They can cause us to submit to demonic traps as the enemy whispers lies to us that threaten to make us misjudge others or choose actions that destroy our lives.
The world teaches, “Understand your feelings and then you will be free.” But that’s not what the Bible teaches. God’s Word says to seek truth, and it’s the truth that will set you free (see John 14:6, Matthew 7:7).
Let the truths in God’s Word govern your life, not your feelings. His truths are liberating and always trustworthy!