Replacing Feelings With Truth
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
When we’re hurt and heartbroken, it can be very tempting to let our feelings overshadow what we know is true. That temptation was one I particularly struggled with last year when I was going through a season of heartbreak. I remember this one particular day when I was reading my Bible and I came across several verses that were so applicable to what I was going through at that point. However, instead of clinging to the promises in the verses I was reading, I was paying more attention to my feelings. I would sit there and say,
“Lord, I know you say you work all things together for good, but this doesn’t feel good right now.”
“God, I know you say you never leave me or forsake me, but I feel so lonely.”
“Lord, I know you say you refresh my soul and guide me along the right path, but I feel the furthest thing from refreshed and this is not the path I wanted to walk.”
We can’t let our feelings overshadow what we know is true. Instead, we must renew our minds in a way that flips those statements around, where the truth outshines our feelings.
So instead, I would say…
“Lord, I know this heartbreak doesn’t feel good right now, but I know you say that you work all things together for the good of those who love you and who are called according to your purpose, so I'm going to hold you to that.”
“Lord, I feel so lonely right now, but I know you promise to never leave me or forsake me, so I'm going to choose to believe that.”
“God, this isn’t the path I wanted to walk, but I know you say that you will guide me along the right path, so I’m trusting You in that.”
Just this simple switch in the way we view truth versus our feelings can make the biggest difference as we draw near to the Lord in our brokenness. So if you're hurting today, if you're heartbroken, devastated, or disappointed, the best way for you to find healing is to draw near to the Lord. Embrace the peace that He promises to give that surpasses all understanding. Cling to the promises in His Word. Don't forget that your Heavenly Father is with you every step of the way, and remember that He is a compassionate, gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
P.S. I spoke at an event last year and gave an entire talk on God’s power to mend and heal our brokenness. You can watch it here. :)