Truth Over Feelings: Anchoring Your Life in God's Word

In a world that constantly tells us to "follow our heart," it's easy to let our emotions take the lead. But what if our feelings aren't always aligned with truth? What if there's a better way to navigate life's ups and downs?

The concept of prioritizing truth over feelings is a powerful one that can transform our spiritual journey. It's not about suppressing our emotions or denying their existence. Rather, it's about grounding ourselves in something far more stable and reliable: God's unchanging truth.

Feelings are indeed a gift from God, but they were never meant to be the compass that guides our lives. They're designed to follow, not to lead. When we allow truth to take first place, our emotions find their proper place and order. It's in this alignment that we discover true peace and clarity.

Consider this profound statement: "Truth is a person, not an opinion." This person is Jesus Christ himself. He doesn't merely offer an opinion about reality; He is reality. The closer we draw to Him, the clearer life becomes. In John 17:17, Jesus prays, "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." This highlights the inseparable connection between God's Word and absolute truth.

As believers, we've been given the fullness of Christ. His work on the cross wasn't for partial salvation, but for complete transformation. Yet, many of us still struggle with emotional chaos that seems to challenge this truth. In these moments, we need to grab hold of something bigger than ourselves.

The apostle Paul provides guidance in Romans 8, explaining how to discern whether we're living according to the flesh or the Spirit. It all comes down to what we set our minds on. If we're focused on fleshly things, we're operating in the flesh. But when we set our minds on spiritual matters, we're living in the Spirit. This choice leads to life and peace, while a carnal mindset results in death.

So how do we practically apply this in our daily lives? It starts with recognizing that we have authority over our own thoughts and emotions. Just as King David spoke to his soul in times of distress ("Why are you downcast, O my soul? Put your hope in God!"), we too can address our inner turmoil.

When anxiety whispers lies, we can declare truth: "Christ in me is more than enough!" When our feelings try to dictate our reality, we can pause, take a breath, and remind ourselves that God's truth leads our soul. It's about actively choosing to align our thoughts with God's Word, even when our emotions are running wild.

This doesn't mean we ignore our feelings or pretend they don't exist. There's a time and place for acknowledging wounds and validating painful experiences. However, we must be careful not to let our emotions interpret truth apart from God's Word. If we don't feel God's love, for instance, it doesn't mean He doesn't love us. Our feelings can lie, but God's love remains constant and true.

In 1 John 3:19, we're given a powerful tool: "By this we will know that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him." We have the ability – and the responsibility – to assure our own hearts and quiet our consciences. This means actively persuading Yourselves of God's truth, even when our feelings say otherwise.

Imagine standing in front of a mirror and speaking truth to yourself. It might feel awkward at first, but it's a biblical practice that can transform your inner world. Tell your heart it's time to forgive, to move on, to embrace the great things God has in store. Remind your feelings that they don't dictate truth – they respond to it.

This isn't about positive thinking or self-help techniques. It's about aligning our entire being – spirit, soul, and body – with the Word of God. It's a daily choice to let truth reign over our emotions, to let the Spirit lead instead of our flesh.

As we embrace this way of living, we'll find ourselves better equipped to handle life's challenges. We'll develop a steadiness that isn't swayed by every emotional wind. Our faith will deepen, rooted in the unshakeable truth of who God is and who we are in Him.

This journey of prioritizing truth over feelings is beautifully illustrated in the act of baptism. Just as those being baptized go down into the water one way and come up renewed, we too can experience daily renewal by immersing ourselves in God's truth. Each time we choose to align our thoughts and emotions with His Word, we're essentially undergoing a mini-baptism of the mind.

Living this way doesn't mean we'll never struggle or face emotional turmoil. But it does mean we have a solid foundation to return to, an anchor for our souls when the storms of life rage around us. We can face each day with the confidence that comes from knowing we're built on something far more reliable than our fleeting emotions.

So today, let's make a commitment to let truth lead. Let's be intentional about filling our minds with God's Word and aligning our thoughts with His truth. When our feelings threaten to take control, let's pause, breathe, and remind ourselves of what's really true.
Remember, you have the authority to speak to your own heart. You can quiet your conscience with the truth of God's Word. You can choose to let your feelings follow truth rather than trying to define it.

As you embrace this way of living, watch how it transforms not just your inner world, but also your relationships, your decisions, and your overall outlook on life. Let truth be the foundation upon which you build your life, and discover the peace and stability that come from anchoring yourself in God's unchanging Word.