Faith vs. Feelings – Relying on Faith Rather Than Emotions

Our feelings can be powerful, sometimes uplifting us and other times overwhelming us. While emotions are a natural part of being human, relying solely on them can lead us astray. As Christians, we’re called to live by faith rather than by feelings, placing our trust in God’s truth and promises rather than in fluctuating emotions. Learning to live by faith brings stability, peace, and a deeper relationship with God.

Understanding Faith and Feelings

Faith is trusting in God and His promises, even when we cannot see or feel the outcome. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as, “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Faith is choosing to believe that God’s Word is true and reliable, regardless of our emotional state or the circumstances around us.

Feelings, on the other hand, are responses to our surroundings, thoughts, and experiences. While feelings are real and valid, they can be unpredictable and sometimes lead us in the wrong direction. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” This reminds us that feelings alone aren’t a trustworthy guide.

Why We Shouldn’t Rely on Feelings Alone

Feelings fluctuate with our circumstances, while faith is anchored in God’s unchanging truth. Here are some reasons why relying on faith over feelings is important in the Christian walk:

Feelings Are Temporary, But God’s Word is Eternal

Emotions can change quickly, often without reason. But God’s Word remains true and reliable. Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” When we rely on faith, we’re building our lives on a foundation that doesn’t shift with circumstances.

Feelings Can Lead Us Astray

While emotions can sometimes align with God’s truth, they can also mislead us, causing us to doubt, fear, or make impulsive decisions. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Faith guides us toward God’s path, while feelings can pull us away from His best for us.

Faith Brings Stability

When we base our lives on faith, we have a steady anchor even in uncertain times. Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Faith helps us remain calm and trusting in God, even when emotions try to shake us.

Feelings Can Undermine Our Identity in Christ

Feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or fear can make us question our worth or God’s love for us. Faith, however, reminds us of who we are in Christ. Romans 8:38-39 assures us, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Faith keeps us grounded in God’s love and promises, even when our emotions try to convince us otherwise.

How to Live by Faith Rather Than Feelings

Living by faith doesn’t mean ignoring our feelings; it means allowing God’s truth to guide us, especially when emotions are intense. Here are some practical ways to rely on faith over feelings:

Root Yourself in God’s Word

Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture helps anchor us in God’s promises and truth. When we know God’s Word, we can recognize when our feelings conflict with His truth. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” God’s Word illuminates our path, especially when emotions cloud our judgment.

Pray for God’s Perspective

Prayer connects us with God’s perspective. When emotions are strong, bring them to God and ask Him for wisdom and clarity. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” In prayer, we can release our emotions to God and find peace through His presence.

Choose to Act on Faith, Not Feelings

Faith requires action. When we know what God has called us to do, we should follow through, even when we don’t feel like it. James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Acting on faith, despite our feelings, strengthens our trust in God and shows our commitment to Him.

Focus on God’s Promises, Not Your Circumstances

When circumstances are challenging, it’s easy to let fear, anxiety, or doubt take over. But focusing on God’s promises gives us hope. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Trusting God’s promises over what we see or feel keeps us moving forward in faith.

Surround Yourself with Believers

Being part of a faith community provides encouragement and support when we’re struggling with emotions. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” Fellow believers can remind us of God’s truth and pray with us when our emotions feel overwhelming.

Remember God’s Faithfulness in the Past

Reflecting on how God has worked in your life before can remind you of His constant presence and reliability. Psalm 77:11 says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago.” Remembering God’s past faithfulness helps build confidence in His future promises.

Biblical Examples of Living by Faith Over Feelings

Abraham’s Faith in God’s Promise

When God promised Abraham a son, he believed, even though he and Sarah were old (Genesis 15:5-6). Abraham’s faith was in God’s promise, not in what seemed possible by human standards. His trust in God’s Word over his own feelings and circumstances was credited to him as righteousness.

David’s Trust in God Amidst Fear

When David faced Goliath, he had every reason to feel fear. But he chose to trust in God’s power rather than his own feelings (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David’s faith helped him overcome fear, reminding us that God is greater than any obstacle.

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus experienced overwhelming sorrow and distress, yet He chose to submit to God’s will rather than follow His feelings (Matthew 26:39). His example shows us the strength that comes from prioritizing faith over emotions, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Choosing Faith as Our Foundation

While emotions are an important part of life, they aren’t always reliable guides. By choosing faith as our foundation, we anchor ourselves in God’s unchanging truth. Faith brings stability, hope, and strength when feelings waver, helping us live in alignment with God’s purpose.

Living by faith over feelings doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing emotions—it means holding them up to God’s truth. When emotions try to lead us astray, we can choose to lean on our faith, confident that God’s promises will never fail. As we build our lives on faith, we experience a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God, grounded in His unchanging love and truth.