Feeling and Faith

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

We are reminded that our journey in life is guided by faith, not by what we can see. It's like trusting in something even though we can't see it clearly. It's important to trust God, especially when we remember His love shown through Jesus. By keeping our focus on Jesus and praying with faith, we can tap into His strength and blessings. If we could express our faith more and be thankful for what we have, we'd find ourselves more cheerful and strong every day. Ellen White says, “When we comply with the Written Word then we are to walk by faith. We dishonor God when we fail to trust Him after He has given such wonderful evidence of His compassionate love in the gift of His Son. We are to keep looking to Jesus, offering up our prayers in faith, taking hold of His strength. If we would give more expression to our faith, rejoice more in the blessings that we know we have, we would daily have great cheerfulness and strength.” Manuscript 75, 1893.

Our feelings and faith are different things. Faith doesn't rely on how we feel. Instead of constantly checking if we feel a certain way, we should simply trust that God accepts us and understands our efforts to follow Him. Just as parents gladly give good things to their children, God is even more willing to give us what we need when we ask in faith. Even when we're feeling down, we can still find joy by praising God in our hearts. This lifts the gloom and brings us into the warmth of God's presence.
“Feeling and faith are as distinct from each other as the east is from the west. Faith is not dependent on feeling. Daily we should dedicate ourselves to God, and believe that Christ understands and accepts the sacrifice, without examining ourselves to see if we have that degree of feeling that we think should correspond with our faith. Have we not the assurance that our heavenly Father is more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him in faith than parents are to give good gifts to their children? We should go forward as if to every prayer that we send to the throne of God we heard the response from the One whose promises never fail. Even when depressed by sadness it is our privilege to make melody in our hearts to God. When we do this the mists and clouds will be rolled back and we will pass from the shadow and darkness into the clear sunshine of His presence.” Our High Calling, 120

If we focused more on growing our faith, love, patience, and trust in God, we'd find more peace and happiness despite life's challenges. God doesn't want us to stress and worry; He wants us to lean on Him for everything. Jesus promises to never abandon us, so we should hold onto His words, believe His promises, and find joy in them day and night.

Reflection Questions:
1.    How do you differentiate between faith and feelings in your own life?
2.    Do you find it easy or difficult to trust in God's promises when you can't see the outcome?
3.    Can you think of a time when relying on faith helped you through a tough situation?