This is your life. With all the ups, downs, and in-betweens. And it was always meant to be your life. But with every season in your life comes different feelings. And as I’ve said before if I let my downhearted feelings take the steering wheel, my life becomes a chaotic car chase where I crash into every tree and fire hydrant, finally being thrown into the water (don’t the movies always portray a car chase ending in water??). So what do I do when my circumstances are usurped by my high and low feelings? I go to what I know is true and constant: God’s word.
Below are some common feelings that sometimes, for lack of better words, get the best of us. They make us feel like we’re unworthy, out-of-control, and just downright sad. And I don’t know about you, but when I feel some of these feelings, I feel farthest from God, even though He’s right here with me in this valley I’ve carved out for myself. So, when your feelings pillage your heart and soul, check out some of the things God’s word says about these feelings.
Fear
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 ASV
Disappointment
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Anxiety
Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV
Low Self-Esteem
So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them…God saw ALL that he had made, and it was very good.
Genesis 1:27, 31 NIV {Emphasis my own}
Hopelessness
The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.
Exodus 14:14 NIV
Isolation
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4 NIV
Uncertain of Next Steps
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Psalms 119:105 NIV
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
God’s words are meant to be used as an instruction manual for when your life takes a turn and you don’t know how to feel about it; a battle plan when the enemy sends blow after blow to your heart and you can hardly breathe; a constant reminder that God is who He says He is and He will always be right where you need Him. So use His words to stabilize you and show those feelings who’s in control.
Prayer
Dearest Lord, you are the creator of feelings, so I know that feelings are good. But it is not always right and good to allow those feelings to control my day; to paralyze me from enjoying this life you give. I pray to focus my thoughts on you, the one who is constant and unchanging. I pray to use these verses as my stronghold when I am feeling weak. Thank you for your word that always comforts, always protects, and always satisfies. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
