What does scripture say about feelings directing our lives

The Bible addresses the role of feelings and emotions in our lives and provides guidance on how to balance them with faith and wisdom. Scripture acknowledges that emotions are a natural part of the human experience, but it also warns against letting them solely direct our lives. Here are several key points from scripture regarding feelings and their place in our lives: 1. The Heart Can Be Deceptive Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

This verse highlights the potential for our emotions to lead us astray. The heart, representing our inner emotions and feelings, can be deceptive. Therefore, it is important to approach our feelings with caution and not let them be the sole guide for our decisions.

2. Guidance of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." Paul teaches that by walking in the Spirit, we can overcome the impulsive desires and emotions of the flesh. The Holy Spirit provides us with the discernment to navigate our emotions in alignment with God's will.

3. Peace as a Guide Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Here, Paul emphasizes prayer and thanksgiving as remedies for anxiety, leading to the peace of God guarding our hearts and minds. This peace acts as a safeguard against being driven by fluctuating emotions.

4. Renewing the Mind Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Transformation through the renewal of our minds enables us to discern God's will rather than being swayed by transient feelings. This renewal process involves immersing ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's perspective.

5. Emotional Stability in Christ Psalm 37:4 (ESV): "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." When we find our delight in the Lord, our desires and emotions align more closely with His will. This verse encourages a focus on God, which can stabilize and guide our emotions.

6. Real-World Application:

Handling Anger Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV): "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."

Paul acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but advises against allowing it to lead to sin or persist unchecked. This practical advice helps prevent negative outcomes that can arise from unmanaged emotions.

Church History Perspective Throughout church history, Christian thinkers have emphasized the importance of reason and the Holy Spirit in governing our emotions. For example, Augustine of Hippo wrote extensively on the need for divine grace to rightly order our loves and emotions. The monastic traditions also stressed disciplines like prayer and meditation to cultivate emotional balance and spiritual discernment.

Conclusion Scripture teaches that while emotions are an integral part of our human experience, they should not be the primary directors of our lives. Instead, we are to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, immerse ourselves in God's Word, and find our delight in the Lord. By doing so, we can maintain emotional balance and live in accordance with God's will.