Many people disparage the
idea of feelings in the Christian life. They consider emotions as a negative
aspect belonging only to the carnal nature. However, God gave us emotions to
express the needs of our body and soul, and to effectively communicate the
reality of Christ within us. God is not an impassive, immovable being; but
according to scriptural verification, He is full of all of the same emotions,
which we feel within our soul.
God is the perfecter of
our feelings and the supplier of all of our needs. He advises us to weep and to
rejoice with one another (Romans 12:15).
He comforts us in our fears and encourages us when we are disheartened. As we
abide in divine communication with our Creator, we receive from Him everything
we need to live in contentment and godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-11). Our whole being, body and soul and spirit, receives
and lives in divine life through Christ Jesus our Lord (2 Peter
1:4).
Nothing inspires fear and
anxiety within us more than the idea of living in this world without the
resources we need. Christ in us is our only hope of living in glory both now
and in eternity (Colossians 1:27). God’s
forgiveness inspires our devotion and His grace keeps us ever faithful to His
service. He conforms us day by day into the likeness of Christ (2
Corinthians 3:18). Without Him, we
cannot reach our ultimate goal of tranquility and enlightenment (James
3:17).
God trims and cleanses
us through sanctification until we are empty of our self and filled with all of
His attributes. This is accomplished one moment at a time. God inspires our
thoughts, which control our decisions and actions (Philippians
4:8). The nature of God, which is the
fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), replaces every carnal impulse within us that is enmity with God (James
4:4). We confidently place our self
under the nurture and direction of our holy God (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Prayer:
Father God, You show us
what is good and right, and what You require of us. You simply want us to act
justly and to show love and mercy to everyone everywhere, and to live in and
through You with humility (Micah 6:8).
You do not care about our human power or abilities, because it is only by Your
Spirit that we accomplish anything of value on this earth (Zechariah
4:6). Our divine union with You applies
to and supplies every aspect of our life, even the mundane issues such as what
we eat and drink (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). Therefore, everything we do is for Your glory.
Thought for the Day:
The divine life of the
Trinity dwelling within us enables us to dwell in godliness and contentment (2 Peter
1:4).
