Feelings

“Feelings, feelings and feelings. Let me try thinking instead.”

C.S. Lewis/A Grief Observed

I really need to read some C.S. Lewis. It’s been way too long. I can relate to this habitual thinker and writer. Though I can overthink, I’m not going to let the enemy of my faith cause me to fear processing my thoughts. I’m convinced that Mr. Lewis came to the same conclusion that I’ve come to: if I don’t start thinking my feelings are going to overwhelm me. Running on feelings hasn’t done me any good. It’s like running on empty.  

Some feelings can keep us trapped in the moment. This “moment” can last a long time if we choose to stay there. Far too often I do. Thinking, however, moves us beyond our struggles if those thoughts are fixed on the right things. 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8(NIV)

How often do we fail to do this? Do we get stuck on lies, things that are undignified, things that are wrong, impure, unlovely, whatever is loathsome, detestable or dishonorable? Yes, all the time. It’s difficult to avoid seeing all of these things, but we can choose to think wisely, carefully and stay hopeful. However, It takes praying without ceasing. I need help. I can’t do it on my own.

Don’t trust feelings. They can lie something fierce.  Even when it’s cloudy the sun is still shining, and wonderful things do come after the rain. 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7(ESV)

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user mariananbu.)