Thursday, March 1, 2012

more than a feeling

Hey, girls!  I (Nicole) am so glad that Jess opened the next few weeks up to whatever the Lord might say, in whatever direction he leads.  Not having a “theme” is really going to allow us to just open up to you guys about what is going on in our personal relationships.  I hope that we can all gain something from it!
I wanted to give you a little peek into my relationship, lately.

Quiet.

Yep, very quiet.  I am still reading my bible, praying, and just spending time with Him throughout the day, but it’s been a pretty quiet couple of weeks.  I haven’t really felt his presence.  I haven’t really been moved like crazy.  I haven’t really had an exciting couple of weeks.  But, the Lord is teaching me though that.
I’m a gal who puts a lot in emphasis on feelings. 

“This doesn’t make me happy.”
“I’ve just been in a bad mood.”
“Well, that just ruined my day.”
“That style of worship just doesn’t do as much for me.”
“I didn’t have an amazing morning in the Word… something must be wrong.”

Almost all of my thoughts are connected to my feelings, but this is a dangerous place to be, my friends.  Completely relying on feelings will lead to a life on a rollercoaster.  You’ll be happy one day, in a low pit the next, and you just can’t seem to find steady ground.  I have definitely been in this place and I’m just now learning to find my way out.

If I based my life on my feelings towards this circumstance in my life and this moment in my day and this week I just had I would be in a pretty rotten place.  I would be miserable, completely discontent, and an anxious mess. 

We must learn to live beyond our feelings. 

I think the Lord has been more quiet lately to see if I could be content just to meet with him, sit with him, and accept the truth that is in His word.  No, not every morning spent in the word is going to totally blow your mind.  But, should I still be content to sit and learn and wait for Him to speak?  Yes!  Even though I may not have a warm “feeling” about where I am in my walk, God is no less there.  My faith has to go deeper than just a feeling, because if it doesn’t, it will be really easy for me to give up in the quiet times. 
The Lord is still being faithful to me, no matter how I feel.  I allow my emotions to control my thoughts, my actions, and ultimately, my faith. 

I need to place the TRUTH about my feelings. 

THIS is the truth…

“Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you.” Psalm 9:10

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9

No matter where you are in your walk, God is faithful.  Seek him through the quiet times.  Don’t let your feelings get the best of you.

Love you!
Nicole

10 comments:

  1. I love this :) Overall, I think God and I usually have a more 'quiet' relationship...and I've learned that it's BECAUSE of it that I try to be a better Christian. It's funny how God works sometimes, but the great thing is-he is ALWAYS leading us :)

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  2. Hey guys! This doesn't necessarily have anything to do with this post, but I was just wondering what y'all's thoughts were on devotional books. I just recently got back into reading devotionals and I'm looking for a daily/weekly devo that is relevant to my life: I'm a senior in college getting ready to graduate. I just ordered Jesus Calling which I heard is great, but I'm always looking for more.

    What are your opinions? Any suggestions?
    Thank you so much! :)

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  3. I love this! I often look for "that feeling" and it's good to remember that it may not always be there but God always is. Thanks for the reminder!

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  4. THANK YOU! I struggle with this always! It's especially challenging because I was saved just a couple years ago. That time was SO emotional! I was constantly moved and excited by God. I was devouring the Word for the first time and learning more than I thought was possible. Now, a few years down the road, I still learn things, but not necessarily world-rocking things, and not every day. I'm not always moved to tears when I pray or worship. I don't get that butterflies in the stomach, pulse racing, overly excited feeling ALL the time anymore. And sometimes that makes me sad and I think that something is wrong. I'm always trying to maintain the passion! But I have to remember that there is more to love than feelings. Love is sometimes a choice; it's a commitment. And just like my marriage, it's not always passion and excitement and fuzzy feelings. But it's still love. And you're right...God is still there! Thanks for the reminder! :)

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  5. Thank you for posting this!! I so needed to read it! It is so good to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way sometimes. I struggled with not feeling God a lot this past summer. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. This is so true. I think sometimes God wants Him to just be enough. The promise of Him. The thought of Him. Not necessarily His constant action to calm us. But the promise of His action when He deems it necessary. Love this.

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  7. Great blog! Exactly the kind of inspiration I needed!

    http://olgasrecord.blogspot.com/

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  8. so sorry you're feeling badly. i hope you feel better. tomorrow is a new day!

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  9. You're amazing and God IS GOOD... that is all! :)

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  10. This is such an encouraging post because I really struggle with this too!! :)

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