A Life Led by Faith, Not Feelings: How Do We Do It?

One day, Chuang-tzu, a Chinese philosopher, shared his thoughts with a friend as they walked along a riverbank. “How happy those fish are in the water,” he said. 

“You are not a fish,” said his friend, “How do you know whether those fish are happy or not?”

The same is true for us today. Just because what we feel is real does not mean our feelings are always true and accurate. Reality may be different. 

So, what does a life of faith that God wants from us look like?

Living by Faith, Not Only by Feelings

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5

For we live by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7

God wants us not to depend on our own understanding, but to depend on Him. He wants us to live by faith. 

How sad it is to live depending only on feelings. Feelings are like waves in the sea, tossed here and there, following wherever the wind blows. One moment you are sad, the next you are happy. At one time you are enthusiastic, at another you are downcast.

Human feelings are unstable and easily change. Today you are grateful for God’s goodness in answering your desire. Yet when God has not answered your prayer, you become disappointed, ungrateful, and discouraged. 

So, how can we rely on something that changes so often? Do we not also find it hard to trust someone whose emotions go up and down? 

Proverbs teaches us to love God with all our heart, not based on feelings, because our feelings change so easily.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. – Mark 12:30

Perhaps we wonder, “People have feelings, so how do we know to what extent feelings may be involved in our spiritual life? In our walk of faith, are we not allowed to use our feelings?”

Balance Faith with Feelings

When Feelings Align with Faith Indeed, God’s word says that we must live by faith, not based on what we feel. However, we need to realize that feelings are also important. Yes, we live by faith, but faith that works together with positive feelings will produce the best results. 

For example, in the matter of giving. We can give with two kinds of feelings. First, reluctantly, sadly, unwillingly, and without joy. However, we can also give happily and wholeheartedly. Therefore, we need to give with joy and sincerity, not merely because of God’s command alone. 

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Another example is compassion. It was compassion or compassionthat moved Jesus to send out His twelve disciples on their mission. Today, we can know God and be saved, all because of His compassion and grace (Ephesians 2:8). 

When He saw the crowds, Jesus was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. – Matthew 9:36 When Feelings Do Not Align with Faith  On the other hand, feelings can also keep us from living by faith, leading us to make wrong decisions, or decisions that do not match God’s will. For example:

You believe that one day you will find a life partner from God. Yet when you get to know someone who does not believe in God, you think, “I am called to this. The Bible teaches that I must not marry an unbeliever, BUT my feelings tell me this person is the right one for me!”

Or, “I want to forgive this person for the bad things he has done to me, BUT my feelings cannot be denied. Even though the Bible teaches me to forgive those who wrong me, I am still hurt and disappointed. I cannot forgive him.”

Often we also let feelings dictate our convictions about God, instead of the other way around. For example: 

“There is no peace when I study God’s word, because it feels uncomfortable. I do not want to continue and do not want to do His word.”

Or, “God surely understands how I feel, that right now I cannot repent yet. I will do it later, when my heart is ready.” Even though God’s word clearly says that once we know the truth, we need to repent at once. Do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15), and do not delay, because salvation is something very important. 

How Far May Feelings Be Involved in Our Life of Faith?

Feelings may be involved in our lives if and only if our feelings align with faith or God’s word. If instead they cause us to stop doing God’s will or keep us from growing, those are wrong feelings.

Be watchful, because our feelings can become an easy target for the devil who wants to deceive us, so that we no longer live by faith. This is what happened when the devil deceived Eve, so that she felt that the fruit of the tree looked good, pleasing, and desirable because it gave understanding (Genesis 3:6).

We should not follow feelings that are wrong and do not match God’s word. For example, because we do not feel in the mood, or simply do not want to, we skip our quiet time. This is a wrong feeling, so we need to deny ourselves. Not only can feelings be wrong, they can also mislead us and even draw us away from God. 

God’s calling for us is a life based on faith, not merely on feelings. This means you and I must fulfill and do what is in line with God’s will. Do not make what we feel our ‘compass’ or guide in life.

Whoever trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered. – Proverbs 28:26

So, from now on, let us live by faith, not only by feelings, which change so easily and can be wrong. In that way, we will become wiser and pleasing in God’s sight. Good luck! - Related Articles:

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