Today I have been discouraged. I have felt hurt, sad, and afraid. Which makes me even more grateful that while the way we feel is real, it isn’t always truth. In fact, most of the time, our feelings lie to us. They tell us we are unwanted, unneeded, unheard, and unseen. They tell us that others don’t like us, that we will never get ahead, and that there is no hope. What is worse is that they are blaringly obvious lies, they almost always contain just enough truth that we can easily convince ourselves these feelings are true. For example, there are people in this world that don’t like me. The truth is that people get to have that choice. What is not true is that no one likes me, but that little seed of hurt grows rapidly from a miniscule issue into a completely overwhelming feeling. Suddenly, we have convinced ourselves that we are the worst person that has ever lived, no one likes us, no one will ever like us, and we are better off hiding from people. It takes an act of will and determination to remember and speak truth to
ourselves to stop that negative train of thought.
Thankfully, when we choose to stop believing that just because we feel it, it is true, our God provides actual truth. He also provides us with the strength to believe His truth. A verse that I repeat to myself frequently is Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” God knew that we would let our feelings take over our minds and our hearts. He gave us a way to change our feelings – by changing our thoughts.
To combat those days when everything seems hopeless, I have a notebook full of truth that goes everywhere with me. When my feelings take over and my head begins to spin with negative thoughts, I open my book and find, and then think on, those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. In it I also have a list of those times when God has rescued me, spoken to me, or just shown me how much He loves me. Thinking on those things helps me to remember that my feelings are not the boss of me. Thinking on these things helps me remember that God is bigger than how I feel, and bigger than any circumstance that is occurring. Thinking on these things helps me to let go of my negative feelings and grab tightly to truth.
Here are some truths that help me combat discouragement:
“For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not. I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13
“In the multitude of my anxious thoughts, Your comforts, cheer and delight my soul.” Psalms 94:19
“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
“The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.” Psalm 138:8
Take the time to find the truths that speak to your heart, bring you hope, and remind you that your feelings don’t get to determine the course of the journey.
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