Living by Feelings or Faith?

Acrophobia. An intense fear of being in high places. I have to admit that I struggle with this phobia in certain situations.

Last week, my daughter and I visited a water park. As we climbed the winding stairs toward the entrance to one of the rides, my muscles began to tense up and I found it necessary to grip the railing as we waited in line. It was all I could do to focus on our destination. Far below, people were enjoying the wave pool and scurrying between other water rides without a care in the world.

Waiting in line on the stairs gave me a very insecure feeling. I could see between the metal steps to the ground below. And for whatever reason, I couldn't shake the idea that I might fall. Logically, I knew the tall structures were safe, yet it was extremely difficult to convince myself that I didn't need to be concerned.

Once at the top of the stairway, on a steady platform, my fears vanished and I looked forward to speeding down the slide to the pool below. The exhilarating ride proved to be worth the discomfort I experienced while waiting on the stairs. I refused to allow my nagging fear to spoil a great adventure. By mid-afternoon, we had ridden every water ride at least once, and others, multiple times.

I was reminded of the importance of living my life according to the truth and not according to my feelings. The same is true in my spiritual life. It's necessary to measure my thinking against the truth of God's Word. And His Word is clear, "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," (Romans 12:2; KJV). King David shares the Lord's hope for me, "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom," (Psalm 51:6).

On those difficult days when God seems distant, I have a choice. Believe my feelings, or trust His Word. My head tells me He's too busy to care about my little problems, His Word assures me differently, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows," (Matthew 10:29-31).

Then there are the times I see little value in following through on the small things. Yet He declares plainly, "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much," (Luke 16:10). Which will I trust? Feelings or faith?Will I give in to my feelings or choose to walk by faith, knowing that Christ walks with me? Today, I choose faith!

What about you? Are you living your life according to your feelings or the truth of God's Word? How will you choose to live today?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. Help me to choose to live according to the truth of Your Word, rather than by my feelings. You tell me that my heart is deceitful and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), but Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Guide me, Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen.