I feel…
These two words are some of the most dangerous words that can come out of your mouth. They usually lead down a negative road. I feel like a failure. I feel like I’m not loved. I feel like I’m not pretty enough. I feel like I’m _________ (you fill in the blank.) The other day these words slipped out of my mouth – “I feel like I’m not a good mom.” Entering into this new stage of motherhood has scrubbed my soul in so many ways. In those moments when I am exhausted, the laundry has piled up, and dirty diapers surround me, my feelings easily push out the truth that God has hidden in my heart. I am learning that feelings are not good indicators of who I am. They change every day like the waves of the sea and they can become negative without warning. We need to learn to understand what our feelings are telling us, and then live by what we know.
What do we do with those “I feel” statements dictates the direction of our days. Instead of believing everything you feel, speak the truth to yourself:
- I feel like a failure, but I know that through Christ I am equipped to do the work He has assigned me. With Him, I can do everything He calls me to. Without Him, I can do nothing. I am not a failure because Christ is in me and I am His.
- I feel like I am not loved, but I know that the cross of Christ was the ultimate picture of God’s never-failing love. His love extended past my sins and it has given me a rich, new life in Christ. I am loved with a perfect love.
- I feel like I’m not pretty, but I know that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. The Lord knit me together in my mother’s womb and I reflect His creativity. My beauty and worth comes from Christ alone.
- I feel like I’m not_____________, but I know Jesus is enough and He is faithful. He is enough for my short-comings. He is enough for my weaknesses. He is enough
Andrew Murray once said, “What a difference it would make if we could take time every morning to focus on the though: Christ is in me.” Instead of focusing on how you feel, speak the truth to yourself. Focus your gaze back on Christ who paid it all and is enough. Truth trumps your feelings. The next time you are tempted to believe what you feel, respond with “I know…”
What a difference it would make if we talked to ourselves instead of listening to our feelings! Let’s be women not swayed by how we feel, but rather grounded in what we know. We know Jesus, and He is more than enough for our souls!
living by what I know is true of the Lord,
Gretchen
(above image by Katherine McBroom)
Our feelings are so fleeting! I so much prefer the phrase, "Do more of what makes you Godly" than "Do more of what makes you happy." Just because something makes you happy today, or even in this moment, doesn’t mean that thing will make you content. I love how you turned those feelings into truth – something all women should know and lean on!
Amen! That is so so true. I always have to go back to the truth, and I completely agree with what you said about happiness! True joy and contentment that lasts can’t be found anywhere else other than Christ. And I want to keep teaching this message as much as I can to women (and to my own heart!). Thank you for your comment!
I’ve just recently come across your sight. I’m 47 years old and I feel that my life has been wasted because of believing the "I feel" over the "I know". I’ve been hurt badly and now I’ve hurt others badly. I’ve been a believer since age 12, but somehow I believe by know (well long ago really) I should have moved past this – I’ve ordered your Grace study today. I hope it’s not to late for God to heal, restore, and somehow use me.