The Danger of Starting to “Feel Good” Again - Part 2
This is Part 2 of 2 on the Danger of Feeling Good Again. Part 1 can be viewed here.
Previous principles discussed:
- First principle: Keep an accurate measure of yourself.
- Second principle: Today is a New Day.
- Third principle: Keep your eyes on God.
Fourth principle: Stay calm.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10 [+/-]
God has repeatedly used this specific verse in my life. Maybe because I am one of the most “un-still” people. In fact, I am more familiar with going, doing, being involved, meeting, planning, organizing, creating, developing and devising. Maybe you get my gist. Maybe you are the same way.
When I start to “feel good” again, I start to become busy and noise of my life prevents me from hearing God’s quiet voice. I miss what He is trying to show me and teach me. Slowly but surely, my life becomes chaotic again.
Fifth and final principle: Respond in the Spirit, not react in the flesh.
“Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Galatians 3:3 [+/-]
There is a HUGE difference between when I seek God’s counsel and “respond” in the Spirit versus when do things my own way and “react” from my flesh.
When I “react” to situations or people, I am drawing on my own knowledge, education or past experiences. I am focused on getting my own needs met. I am not as concerned about the consequences of my behavior. I am less likely to take anyone else’s perspective into account. I allow my feelings to guide me.
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:16 [+/-]
When I “respond” in the Spirit, I make a decision to intentionally “exit” the situation and consult with God. I tell Him everything that I have on my heart. I share with Him what I know about the situation. I tell God what I think I need. I ask God to show me what could happen if I respond this way or that. I seek God’s wisdom in what the other person might be going through, what his or her needs might be, and I ask God what would best for them too. I give God all my feelings. I let Him help me sort them out.
And then, I wait.
” But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 [+/-]
When we turn to God, we are asking for His Spirit to guide our thoughts, change our minds, soften our hearts, broaden our view and direct our behavior. When we wait on God to show us all these things and more, He renews our strength and we will be able to hold up under any situation, regardless how difficult, challenging or impossible it may seem at time. Our “feelings” don’t dictate what we do.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no such law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5:22-26 [+/-]
In Lisa Tawn Bergren’s book entitled “God Encounters-Experiencing the Power of Creative Prayer”, imaginative prayer exercises are combined with relaxation techniques and journaling. For most of us, we have to decide to “unplug” from our very busy lives and set time aside to focus on God. In the introduction, Lisa writes “Christian meditation should be designed to bring us face to face with God in order that we might choose Him over ourselves, find Christ within us, hear what He has to say to us time and time again. We are called to repent, to modify our behavior, to desire to draw ever closer to this God above all gods, the Lord God on high. When we truly encounter the living God, we find that Jesus is standing alongside us, ready to heal, teach, forgive, and give us hope for our future.”
One lesson called “Freedom-When You Need a Savior” centers on “God is Merciful” (Isaiah 45:22 [+/-]). The prayer exercise concludes with two powerful questions: Do I dare have hope? Do I dare tell God all that I crave?
The conclusion is strikingly simple: I am left to know that I cannot save myself. I need a Savior.
When I am in a crisis, I am more likely to turn to God and let Him be my everything. As painful as the situation may be and as long as it may last, my faith is increased and I am able to trust God. As the crisis begins to lift and I start to “feel better”, I am tempted to think that I don’t need God as much. And I slowly start to take my life back and I start to rely on myself and my own ways again.
Bottom line. Despite my feelings, good, bad or indifferent, I cannot save myself. Whether I am in the center of a storm or coming into one or leaving one, my feelings will not determine my value or my well-being. I need a Savior. Every day.
