REAL FAITH ISN’T BUILT ON EMOTIONS.
IT’S ANCHORED IN WHO HE IS, NOT HOW WE FEEL.
Pray when you’re weary – that’s trust.
Open your Bible when it feels dry – that’s devotion.
Turn from sin even when no one sees – that’s surrender.
Faith Beyond Feelings.
Life’s journey is filled with a kaleidoscope of experiences, a journey of mountains and valleys, sunshine and storms, both uplifting and challenging. It can feel exhilarating one moment and deeply discouraging the next. Some days, faith feels like fire in our bones, unstoppable, vibrant, alive! But what about the days when it feels like a flickering candle, barely holding on? However, faith is the stabilising force that holds us secure, not because it depends on fluctuating emotions, but because it is firmly rooted in the unchanging, steadfast nature of God Himself.
The prophet Jeremiah offers us a powerful visual of what real, resilient faith looks like – “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-8 (MSG).
REAL FAITH IS FORGED IN THE ORDINARY, THE MUNDANE, AND THE CHALLENGING MOMENTS OF LIFE.
Pray When You’re Weary – That’s Trust.
There are times in life when weariness feels overwhelming, making even the simplest prayer seem daunting and exhausting. These moments of deep fatigue can feel isolating, as though God is distant or silent. However, the Bible assures us that such experiences are not signs of spiritual weakness but opportunities for deepening our trust in God.
Have you ever been so exhausted that even praying feels like a chore? You’re not alone. Consider Elijah, one of God’s mighty prophets. After witnessing God’s extraordinary power, he found himself utterly exhausted, overwhelmed by despair, and longing for escape. Scripture vividly captures his anguish – “Enough of this, God! Take my life, I’m ready to die!” – 1 Kings 19:4 (MSG.) Yet, even in his darkest moment, Elijah prayed, honestly and vulnerably pouring his heart out before God. His honesty in prayer didn’t push God away; instead, it invited God’s gentle care and restoration. He met him in his weariness, sending an angel with food and water.
WHEN YOU PRAY IN EXHAUSTION, YOU’RE DECLARING, “GOD, I TRUST YOU EVEN WHEN I DON’T FEEL YOU.” THAT’S FAITH IN ACTION. THAT’S TRUST THAT ISN’T SWAYED BY EMOTIONS BUT ANCHORED IN HIS UNCHANGING NATURE.
Open Your Bible When It Feels Dry – That’s Devotion.
There will inevitably be seasons when reading the Bible feels arduous, when the Word of God seems distant or irrelevant, like reading a history book, distant and unrelatable, offering little comfort or inspiration. In these periods, pressing on requires intentional, unwavering commitment and sincere devotion. However, equally there are times when reading Scripture feels like fresh water to a thirsty soul. But faith isn’t about feelings; it’s about discipline and devotion.
King David deeply understood this struggle. In his times of isolation and spiritual dryness, he expressed an intense longing for God, exclaiming, “God – you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, travelling across dry and weary deserts.” – Psalm 63:1 (MSG). David persisted, continuously seeking God even when his emotions wavered and his circumstances appeared barren.
THE KEY TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS FAITHFULNESS DURING THE DRY SEASONS. CONTINUING TO ENGAGE WITH SCRIPTURE, EVEN WHEN IT FEELS DIFFICULT, CULTIVATES SPIRITUAL DEPTH AND PREPARES YOUR HEART FOR THE LIFE-GIVING RENEWAL GOD PROMISES.
Turn From Sin Even When No One Sees – That’s Surrender.
Integrity is demonstrated most clearly when no one else is present to witness our actions – when no one is watching. It’s the choice to uphold righteousness consistently, especially when temptation offers secrecy. Consider Joseph, who, when confronted with temptation by Potiphar’s wife, refused to compromise his principles. Joseph, when tempted by Potiphar’s wife, could have sinned in secret. But he didn’t. His response was unequivocal, he fled, leaving behind everything to protect his integrity, despite the cost – Genesis 39:6-12.
Choosing righteousness privately is powerful evidence of genuine faith and complete surrender to God’s will. It boldly proclaims, “God, your ways are higher than my desires, my convenience, my reputation your approval matters above all else, even in obscurity and hidden moments.”
TRUE FAITH REQUIRES THIS KIND OF COURAGEOUS OBEDIENCE, PRIORITISING GOD’S STANDARDS OVER PERSONAL GAIN, PLEASURE OR CONVENIENCE.
Anchored in Who He Is, Not How We Feel.
Faith should never be likened to a turbulent rollercoaster, tossing us unpredictably up and down with each changing mood. Rather, faith resembles an anchor, securely fixed and immovable, grounded firmly in the dependable nature and everlasting promises of God.
The psalmist confidently proclaims, “He’s solid rock under my feet, breathing room for my soul” – Psalm 62:2 (MSG). When our emotions surge and subside, and waver when our enthusiasm fades, when challenges persist longer than anticipated, when the zeal of faith seems subdued, when the journey feels long and wearisome, stand firm, and lean into God. True faith remains steady and it withstands every trial because its foundation rests not on shifting human feelings but on God’s unwavering faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
Reflect honestly on your private life. Are there hidden areas of compromise or sin you need to confront and address? Commit to bringing these areas into alignment with God’s will, even when no one else notices.
Identify an area of your life where you could deepen your trust in God, especially when your feelings are uncertain or doubtful. What specific steps can you take to strengthen your reliance on Him?
Develop a practical strategy to engage consistently with Scripture, particularly during challenging periods when your enthusiasm or motivation wanes. How can you create routines or practices to sustain your spiritual discipline?
STAY ANCHORED. STAY FAITHFUL – BECAUSE HE IS FAITHFUL.
