Faith Before Feelings

Do you often feel alone and wonder where God is? Do terrible thoughts sometimes fill your mind and bring fear? “So do not fear,” God promises, “for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV). Even though you may feel alone and have terrifying thoughts, God is just waiting for you to trust Him. You can't trust your feelings. They will betray you. But you can trust what God says in His Word. He will not betray you. His truth is rock-solid, and unchanging. He is the same today, yesterday, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). You may feel afraid. God says, “you don't have to be afraid, because I am your God.” You may feel evil battering you. God says, “I will deliver you from all evil.” Then He says something that will cost you something, but in the cost you will find greater faith. He says to look beyond your feelings and step out in faith. “Trust me,” He says, “and don't be afraid.”

Faith will cost you. It will cost you to trust in something that you cannot see or cannot feel (Hebrews 11:1). It will cost you to trust in the truth in God's Word over your feelings. Faith is a decision, and when it is made, feelings will one day fall in line with His truth. That “one day” will come through training your mind, your heart, your very being to believe in God's Word instead of your feelings. It is a battle to be won. Finally on that “one day” you will discover it is easier to believe in God's Word rather than trust how you feel in a moment of time.

Make a mental decision to believe Him. Step out in faith today, and give God a sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). Praise Him for the promise that His truth is greater than how you feel. You can trust Him over everything else. He gave His life to earn your trust. His Gospel is your answer. Does it have a message for those who suffer from fear, depression, and loneliness? Does it promise healing for a battered faith? Yes! It does. “For if it doesn't” writes David Seamands in Healing for Damaged Emotions, “then we had better put a padlock on our church doors, quit playing Christianity, and shut up about our good news.”

“Trust me,” He says. “Don't worry because I am your God. I will strengthen you, and uphold you. You are never alone.” Faith trusts God over any feeling! When you don't worry, you are strengthened! You grow to realize that you are not alone! He has your life in His control.... in His Hand. What an incredible, amazing, and life-changing truth!