For just a moment, let’s think of ourselves like triangles. Imagine each point of the triangle being labeled as body, soul, spirit. If the triangle is sitting on its base, only one point is “up.” Imagine that point being the one in present control of us. For instance, when distinguished from the spirit as in 1Thessalonians 5:23, the soul represents the seat of our emotions and our personality. If the “soul” is in the upward, authoritative position in our lives, then we are ruled by our feelings and our personality types. All of us know what kind of trouble results from being under that kind of authority! Our feelings and personalities are given to us by God, but they are not meant to control us (Praying God’s Word, p. 150).
I have lived the majority of my life with my emotions (soul) leading. But I’m learning that I cannot always trust my feelings. (The positive or the negative.) Even so, it is often hard to distinguish what is of my own heart and what is of the Holy Spirit.
But I’m learning to test my feelings with the Word of God. I’m learning to pray (often writing out my petitions and emotions) then wait on Him to guide me to Truth. The Truth always sets me free. it doesn’t always restore bubbling over joy, but it always gives me some sort of peace. Balance. Strength.
Rather than letting my feelings rule me, I’m praying for Christ to use my “feelings” to propel me to Him.
As I spent time with the Lord this morning, my emotions were consuming. I was feeling despair and grief. But in His goodness, after long petitions and reading of Scripture, Jesus Calling, and Beth’s book, the Lord led me to this verse:
Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
Wow.
I am so thankful for His clarity and the power of the Living Word of God. I’m not doing a happy dance at the moment, but the cloud of worry and negative thoughts have dissipated. The power of His Word is amazing. …For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10b).
I’m choosing to live Spirit side up. What would this look like in your life?
Much grace and peace,
andy
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
