For Testing Emotions

For Testing Emotions

DID YOU KNOW THAT PEPPERS ARE FRUITS? They look like vegetables and are served like vegetables, but they’re not vegetables. In life, we encounter many things that aren’t what they appear to be. That’s especially true when it comes to what our emotions tell us.

The fact is, emotions lie. They told Elijah that Jezebel was going to kill him, and they told Sarah that she couldn’t conceive. The Israelites were also misguided by their emotions. In Numbers 13, Moses sent twelve men to spy out Canaan—the land that God had promised to give his people. But despite the Lord’s vow, ten reported what they felt: “[The Canaanites] are stronger than we are! . . . Next to them we felt like grasshoppers” (verses 31 and 33). But Caleb—having seen the same land and the same giants—gave a different report: “We can certainly conquer [Canaan]!” (verse 30).

Our emotions and reality will often differ, but a “prayer test” reveals which report you should believe. Simply leave your emotions with God in prayer, and give him time to verify the facts.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

Lead me by your truth and teach me.

TODAY I DECLARE

I will wait upon the Lord. He will reveal the truth.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving me emotions. I can’t overlook all the good they produce. They help me love people and feel compassion; they create memories and other wonderful things. But please endow me with a high level of discernment—so I can always know when my feelings are wrong. Help me to verify the facts and veto the lies.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“Leave your emotions with God in prayer.”