Why is it that people lash their faith so tightly to their feelings? Our emotions are fickle, always changing. Yet our God never changes. We often get a confused view of God when we look at him through the distorted lenses of our fluctuating moods.
Feelings Are Fickle
So often I have heard people testify of their confidence in God’s goodness when the weather is fair and their circumstances sweet. Then I have seen those same people declare their belief that God has forgotten them, withdrawn his forgiveness from them, and hidden his divine favor when their hearts are down and their circumstances frustrating.
But the fact is this… though our moods fluctuate and our circumstances shift, God’s love and grace toward us are divine and unmovable constants.
Consider the words of Paul,
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” (Ephesians 1:4-6)
The great preacher of the past, Charles H. Spurgeon, commenting on the above passage, had this to say…
“How marvelous that we, worms, mortals, sinners, should be the objects of divine love! But it is only “in the One He loves.” Some Christians seem to be accepted in their own experience, at least, that is their apprehension. When their spirit is lively, and their hopes bright, they think God accepts them, for they feel so high, so heavenly-minded, so drawn above the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust, they are the victims of the fear that they are no longer accepted. If they could but see that all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do not really depress them in their Father’s sight, but that they stand accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the one God loves, always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, how much happier they would be, and how much more they would honor the Savior! Rejoice then, believer, in this: you are accepted “in the One He loves.””[1]
Fellow believer in Christ, don’t allow your view of God’s mercies to be lashed to your fickle feelings. Are you down today, feeling like you could not be divinely loved? Know that you are loved. You are loved in Christ and that love will never be lifted from your soul. Are you instead feeling on top of the world? Wonderful, but know that your happy feelings are not, in and of themselves, indicators of God’s favor. That Jesus came and died for your sin and rose to be your Savior is the only indicator of mercy that you need.
So friend, rest today in the grace of God that you received when you received Christ. If you are down, acknowledge it, but also acknowledge that though you know your feelings are in the dumps God’s love toward you in Christ is unchanging and he will bring you through.
Question: How has the knowledge of God’s grace brought comfort to you in recent days? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Wow, how I needed this today! Not that I don’t feel the love of our Father, but this serves as a reminder that love is ONLY what matters. Today is Monday times 10! However, the grace and love He has given to all of us first, is awesome no matter what trials we face. G.O.G.O. FOR CHRIST!
Yes indeed!
It brings me comfort in knowing I don’t have to be perfect. No matter how hard I try to be good or do all the right things, on my own I fail.. Rest in God’s grace, and allow Him to fill the gaps where I fall. Knowing he still loves me, even when I mess up. Trusting in that security isn’t always easy, but it’s so important as you navigate through those times when your wrestle with your emotions. Nothing at all can separate us from His love.
Knowing the constancy of God’s grace is indeed a comfort.
Greg, I was just thinking the other day how much I love our church and what comes from the pulpit. I have been to many churches where the teacher while teaching is trying to “convince” listeners of our eternal security at a church supposing to already believe that. It is refreshing to hear you teach us “factually” the proper way to live in regard to the fact that we have it, and it is unshakable and not really connected to a good or bad day, but only connected to our God. Thank You!
You are welcome David! Isn’t it wonderful that God’s grace is constant?
By understanding the simplicity of god’s grace. Reminding myself the price he paid for me each and every day. Understanding what he did and not trying to over analyze or overthink gods gift to us.
One of my favorite verses “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8.
Thank You!
Ephesians 2:8 is a great verse. It is all God’s gift.