Feelings come and feelings go, but how significant are they? Do they really matter? Or should I ask, “Should they really matter to us?”
First of all, we all have feelings. That’s the way human beings are. But feelings are not the do-all, end-all of everything as some might think. Yes, they’re real and yes they seem to over-power us at times, but what should we do about them and how much credence should we give them? These are important questions and I will attempt to address them in light of God’s Word because His Word is our benchmark for all we do, right?
Let’s begin with the fact that we are tri-partite beings, made up of three parts: spirit, soul, and body. We are actually spirit beings, we have a soul – our mind, will, and emotions – and we live in a body – our “earth suit”.
Feelings are considered our flesh, our carnal selves. They are not spiritual and can never be spiritual. That’s what makes them so dangerous because they seem so real, yet have little, if any, bearing on reality. God’s Word is the true reality.
Feelings can be controlled and even taught to do the right thing, but they can never be depended upon to lead you spiritually. They are fickle, changing at the “drop of a hat”, and can scream louder than anyone cares to hear!
Hebrews 5:14 (KJV) 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:14 (AMP) 14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Even our minds can be renewed to the Word of God to do what He tells us. In fact, we must renew our minds if we’re going to grow in the Lord. We need our minds siding in with our spirits so that our flesh (feelings) just naturally goes along with doing the right thing.
Romans 12:2 (KJV) 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Ephesians 4:23 (KJV) 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
On the other hand, if our mind is not renewed to the Word of God and His way of doing things, it will naturally side in with our flesh and two against one means our spirit will take a back seat. This is not a good thing.
So, what do we do? We cannot let our feelings lead us. Feelings are not the engine but the caboose. They will go along with whatever we choose to do by following the Word of God. Too many times, people let their feelings rule them, not knowing that they’re really playing right into the hands of the enemy.
God says that the carnal mind (the flesh) is enmity against God. When you’re in the flesh, you’re being led by your feelings. When you’re in the spirit, you’re being led by your spirit, not your flesh.
Romans 8:6-8 (KJV) 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 8:6-8 (AMP) 6 Now the mind of the flesh [which is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit] is death [death that comprises all the miseries arising from sin, both here and hereafter]. But the mind of the [Holy] Spirit is life and [soul] peace [both now and forever].
7 [That is] because the mind of the flesh [with its carnal thoughts and purposes] is hostile to God, for it does not submit itself to God’s Law; indeed it cannot.
8 So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him.
Feelings can never be counted on to do the right thing. Have you noticed that when you’re being attacked by the enemy, it always “feels” like it will never get better? That’s your head talking. But in your heart – your spirit – you know that God’s Word always works and that His Word has never failed – not one time! Keep standing on the Word and you will come through.
1 Kings 8:56b (KJV) 56 … there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.
We need to be extra cautious that we don’t judge God by our feelings. Many have made that mistake and ended up shipwrecked. God’s Word always has to be the final authority for all we think and do. He is faithful, faithful, faithful and always will be. Let’s renew our minds to His Word and walk in the victory Jesus bought for us.
— Pamela
Pamela Moyle Ministries 