Why are we able to take some challenges in stride and others level us? I’m not sure, but I know I’m more likely to stumble when emotions connected to past wounds are unleashed. Of course, my spiritual enemy is right there to magnify any offense.
I consider myself to be pretty resilient. But recently something small, very small, caused me to stumble. Actually, it was two small things on top of each other.
I sat down with my journal and dumped out my hurt emotions. Usually, I’m able to identify the lies I’m believing and find relief when I ask God for His perspective. But this time, my feelings didn’t budge. The evidence supporting my injured emotions felt more reliable than the truth I knew.
That night as I slept God reminded me of a story concerning Elisha and his servant. The king of Aram was angry with Elisha and wanted to capture him.
So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city.
When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. ‘Oh, sir, what will we do now?’ the young man cried to Elisha.
‘Don’t be afraid!’ Elisha told him. ‘For there are more on our side than on theirs!’ Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire” (2 Kings 6:14-17 NLT).
Ironically, I’m writing a Bible study on faith out of Hebrews chapter 11. This scene from Elisha’s life reminded me of verse one. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (NASB).
Faith doesn’t need physical evidence to believe. It looks at the character of the One who spoke. Click To TweetFaith doesn’t need physical evidence to believe. It looks at the character and reliability of the One who spoke worlds into being. To live by sight, like Elisha’s servant, subjects us to the domination of turbulent emotions. To live by faith, like Elisha, makes us triumphant. Faith knows the reality of the invisible, spiritual world.
I jotted down truths my faith knows.
God—
- Loves me (Jer. 31:3; Jn. 3:16)
- Values me (Matt. 6:26)
- Leads me (Ps. 23:3)
- Provides for my needs (Ps. 23:1)
- Didn’t mess up when He made me (Ps. 139:13-14)
- Has given me everything I need to live a satisfying life and to glorify Him (2 Pet. 1:3)
- Is bigger than any mistake I make (Rom. 8:28).
Biblical truth cut through my emotional/spiritual fog and untied the knots that had bound me.
Are you in a battle? Does it feel like your emotions are winning instead of your faith? Take them to the Lord and ask Him to open your eyes. Some feelings may be stubborn, but don’t dismay. They eventually go away when we take our thoughts captive and meditate on God’s truth.
Does it feel like your emotions are winning instead of your faith? #hope #victory Click To TweetFor a simple tool to help you corral your renegade thoughts and messy emotions click here. For more on this topic read Give Yourself a Break.
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Blessings,
Photo by Jakob Owens
Sometimes I link up with these great sites:
#Moments of Hope, #w2wwordfilledwednesday, #Wedded Wednesday, #Writer’s Wednesday #HeartEncouragement, #LivefreeThursday, #Grace and Truth, #Dance with Jesus, #Fresh Market Friday,
So very true Debbie. Once we are able to really focus and feed on His truth it cuts through the deceptive lies and foggy thinking based solely on emotions.
Ann, that stinking thinking feeds sure keeps the wrong emotions alive. As Jesus said, the truth sets us free! So great to hear from you!
Hi Debbie, your blog on faith has really helped me. I am having a difficult time after knee replacement surgery. No one worned me to taper off on pain killers and after finding this out, have experienced terrible withdrawal. I will be so glad to get back to normal. I am starting outside the home pt, this coming Monday. I have felt very confined and low. I know with God’s help, I can make it, and I am trusting him daily. Please pray for me. Thank you so much. Rosanne Hodgens
Dear Father, You are near to those who are crushed in spirit. I pray that you will draw Rosanne to you. Please fill her with hope. Touch her body and restore her health. Rid her body of the toxic influence of the drugs and set her free from pain and the effects of withdrawal. Grant her the grace to pamper herself in you love (Ps. 37:4). In Jesus name!
Great subject to cover Debbie. I don’t believe I’ve read one like it. Thank you for pointing out that our faith and God’s truths can help to cut straight through emotions and help us see the light. Love you blog!
Wendi, thanks so much! Have a great weekend.
“Faith doesn’t need physical evidence to believe. It looks at the character and reliability of the One who spoke worlds into being.” This is so true. You can even see it in the Psalms of David when he starts out so downcast and then remembers the goodness of God and how He is faithful and trustworthy.
Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #FreshMarketFriday
Gayl, thanks for reminding us of the Psalms. You’re right. That is exactly what David did!