Tyrannized by Your Feelings?

 

            Have you noticed how many people appear to be living at the tyranny of their feelings these days? “I’m just not sure how I feel about that.” “If she doesn’t do her fair share, I don’t feel I should have to honor my promise.” “I know it wasn’t right, but I don’t feel anyone should fault me for what I did.”

            God made us in his own image so we would not have to be ruled by our volatile emotions. Sometimes doing the right thing means staying with a commitment after a warm and fuzzy feeling has vanished. And that can range from one’s wedding vows to his word to a friend to a verbal offer about a price.

            It takes holy resolve to escape the enslavement that comes of being tossed about by whim, fancy, or feeling. So think about these options for today.

            Today I will live by faith. I don’t know what lies ahead or what surprises may come to me today. But I know God has promised to be with me to strengthen, guide, and deliver me. By faith, I claim that promise and will live this day in confidence. There is nothing I will face today that God and I cannot handle – together. It isn’t self-confidence that will get me through; it is God-confidence.

            Today I will live in hope. Each day has its own supply of troublesome things, so I need not go borrowing from tomorrow. In fact, I rejoice at the thought of tomorrow because of the promises God has attached to my future. I will not fear failure, for God has promised to work all things for good in the lives of those who love him. I know where my journey ends, and neither life nor death nor anything in all creation can separate me from God’s love extended to me in Christ.

            Today I will live in love. The bane of human existence is a jealous, cynical, hateful spirit. I will not allow those toxic attitudes to dominate my life. Instead, I will consciously imitate Jesus’ example of loving people – even the ones I don’t like – by turning the other cheek and returning good for evil.

            Regardless of how you may feel about certain situations today, you have the marvelous power to choose to live at a higher level. So don’t be ruled by your fickle feelings. God made you for better things.

            “Foolish people tend to follow their own impulses, but those who are wise listen to good counsel” (Proverbs 12:15).