When Faith Outlasts the Feeling

Well now, look at you comin’ up the pathway! You come right on up here on this ol’ front porch, friend, and park yourself in that ol’ cane bottom chair before your thoughts start to dartin’ around like an ol’ wild turkey caught out in a thunderstorm. Some mornin’s we wake up feelin’ so close to God we could nearly reach up and shake heaven’s hand. Other mornin’s we’re about as spiritually lively as an ol’ catfish sittin’ in a dry wash tub.

And that’s sho’-nuff’ exactly why we have faith.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we cannot see.” Faith doesn’t say, “God is here because I feel Him.” Faith says, “God is here because He promised.”

Those disciples on the Emmaus road downright prove it. Jesus walked right beside ‘em while they were discouraged, confused, and completely unaware of His presence. Their feelin’s told ‘em they were alone. Reality said Jesus was within arm’s reach.

Joshua 1:9 gives us the same assurance: “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

And here’s another beautiful promise for those spiritually dry days. Psalm 73:23 says, “Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” Notice it doesn’t say God holds us only when we feel goosebumps during worship.

Feelin’s are real gifts, but they make mighty poor compasses. They can plum change quicker than a calf discoverin’ an open feed bucket. God’s character doesn’t.

Some days worship will stir your heart. Other days faith may simply whisper, “Lord, I know You’re here.”

And that whisper still counts.

Lord, when my feelings grow quiet, anchor me in Your promises. Help me trust Your presence when I cannot sense it and Your goodness when I cannot see what You are doing. Hold my hand and teach me to walk by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now then, git to steppin’ right on into your daily chores, friend, and don’t chase feelin’s through the woods like a hound after the wrong rabbit. Plant your feet on God’s promises. Let emotions come and go like clouds over the pasture. The sun hasn’t disappeared just because a cloud passed by, and neither has your God.