It is far too easy to make wrong decisions based on what we feel. I can testify that bad results come from bad decisions when generated from a self-will that does not pray and seek God’s direction.
I have learned over my 55 years as a Christian that before making a decision, God must be sought in prayer for answers and direction. For He knows the beginning, middle, and end of all things that pertain to our life. He knows those things that will encourage and advance our faith, and He is acutely aware of Satan’s plan to lead us on a path of destruction.
Feelings are emotional responses to what is tangible. God never intended feelings to lead us, but that we would be led by His Holy Spirit, for the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit is contrary to the flesh (Galatians 5:17). Thus, the soul (the physical, mental, and spiritual self) must be submitted and anchored to God and His will, which enables faith to lead instead of feelings that too often misguide.
Feelings are not altogether bad. They can evoke emotions of sympathy, sensitivity, tenderness, excitement, joy, and sorrow. Feelings help us become aware of our surroundings. However, when feelings create self-defeating, condemning, judgmental, negative, fearful, accusatory thoughts, doubts, or lustful carnal thoughts, they can cause impulsive behaviors that lead to hasty and regrettable decisions.
Feelings can cause unhealthy desires such as impulsive buying. We see, we like, we want, we buy. Feelings validate decisions, even if they are morally wrong. Unharnessed feelings always justify sin and have the potential to govern our lives by mandating what, when, where, and how we do something and with whom.
Fear-based feelings are dangerous because they cause us to make rash decisions rather than seeking the Lord for His direction and help. Decisions that are fear-based are not from God, because God’s perfect love casts out all fear. For fear is torment and those who fear are not made perfect in God’s love (I John 4:18). Though decisions should not be fear-based, we should not ignore a sense of impending danger, nor should we dismiss the Holy Spirit’s warnings and direction.
God exhorts us to daily renew our mind with His Word. Why? Because God’s weapons of warfare are not carnal but are mighty through His Word, so we can pull down strongholds (thoughts generated by the enemy and his demonic forces).
We must seek God for revelation in separating what is false from truth. For we are daily inundated with worldly false information and narratives that pollute, confuse, and control the mind. So, how do we pull down those strongholds and distortions of truth?
Our greatest weapon is God’s Word, therefore, we check if that thought opposes His Word. If it does not align with the Word, that thought must be rejected and replaced with God’s Word. For example: a fearful thought enters your mind. Instead of dwelling on that thought, speak the Word: God has not given me the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (II Timothy 1:7).
We become what we think, speak, and act on. (Proverbs 23:7). Thus, we must think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy, and those things learned, received, or heard from the Word of God (Philippines 4:8-9).
Christians are called to walk by faith, which is an action-based trust in the promises of God. Faith in action seeks God for direction, answers, and solutions in all circumstances. Unbelief is reaction-driven by circumstances that manipulate feelings and ultimately lead to bad decisions.
Attempting to direct our life and fix a problem without God’s direction is like repairing a leaky roof with no knowledge or experience in roofing. Most often, poor repairs result in more damage and expense. Unfortunately, instead of seeking God, who knows our physical “frame” and how to make lasting repairs, we struggle to fix our physical “house.” Fortunately, God patiently waits for us to ask for help, wisdom, and guidance. In surrendering our plans and personal agendas to God, we give Him permission to make necessary and lasting repairs to our “house.”
Feelings can manipulate us into making poor decisions and bad choices. Feelings based on fear or personal desires should never be the basis for making decisions. The best source for finding a positive direction and outcome is to seek God through prayer and His Word.
Before I became a Christian at age 24, I made choices based on either personal desires or fear. Neither brought positive outcomes. I quickly discovered peace, power, freedom, and blessings when I sought God for direction. If I did not seek His counsel, I always regretted my choice. Therefore, I encourage you to entrust your wants and needs to God so that His desires for you become your blessings.
PRAYER: FATHER, help me surrender all to You so that I am not misguided by feelings and personal desires. I want Your will for my life and all that You would have for me. Help me to place my hopes, dreams, and desires into Your hands, believing and trusting that You will do the very best for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.