Hi, it’s me again, back with another post!

I just wanted to speak about something which really does press on my heart. Feeling vs fact. Often times, I can get so caught up in what I’m feeling and what’s going on, it overwhelms me, and it clouds how I view everything, which makes me feel even worse. So, there may be times where I feel like I’m praying and God isn’t hearing. It feels like I’m  not getting anything back, it just feels like I’m dry. Or there’s times where I just can’t feel the presence of God. I’m trying everything, but I just don’t feel it. I question, God are you still here? God where are you? But I had to  learn that I have to combat those feelings with the word of God. If the bible says that He will never leave us nor forsake us, focus on that. Yes, our feelings can be indicators of what’s going on inside, but they’re often fleeting, they can change and they’re not fact.

Everyday you may not feel like your sibling is your best friend, sometimes they annoy you a lot, however it doesn’t change the fact that you love them. Feelings can be temporary, they can be distractors or indicators, and if we spend so long getting immersed in our feelings, they can cause us to sink and fall inside.

I remember there were times where I didn’t feel beautiful. I was so insecure about the way I look, I could spiral from one flaw to another to another, until I found reasons to not like myself everyday. But I had to be reminded that, God says we are made in His image and likeness, and that  I am fearfully and wonderfully made [Psalms 139:14] . He says that to us, and speaks that about us.

You may be enduring a season where you’re in turmoil and in the middle of a difficult situation, but remind yourself, what does the word of God say about my situation? Isaiah 43:2 -‘ When you pass through the waters, I will be with you…’ He is with you.

Feelings come and go, but facts remain. And the fact is, the word of God remains the same, yesterday today and forever. That’s what God is speaking about you. So, let it be an encouragement to you today, that whatever you’re doing through, yes your feelings are there, but what does God say about your situation? If you’re feeling that you’re not at peace, what does God say to you? He says He is the prince of peace, lean on His word. Lean on what HE says about you. Not what others, or what you may say about yourself.

Someone once gave me the example that it doesn’t matter what you’re feeling that day, you may be happy or sad, excited or low, but if someone was to ask you your name, it doesn’t change, despite of what you’re feeling. Therefore, don’t let your feelings dictate over what God speaks into your life. You may feel you have no hope, but Jeremiah 29:11 says He knows the plans that he has for you, plans to give you a future and a hope.

Stay in the word, not just when you’re in a hardship, but even before that, so that when those difficult times do come, you can speak to your situation, speak to yourself and your thoughts. It sounds strange, but David would speak to himself and to his soul Psalms 42:11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul”. Psalms 103:22 “Bless the Lord, O my soul”. Sometimes you have to speak to yourself, to that situation, to those thoughts. Don’t feed them with more negativity, but challenge them with the word of God. Remind yourself, daily, what God says about you. Don’t forget to remember!

One thing I have done before is to make notes or cards, which I can go to, with verses written down. So they’re under different categories, depending on what’s going on. I also know that the Youversion bible app also has something similar, where you can get verses directly linked to how you’re feeling.

• Feeling Anxious? – Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, making your requests known to God”

• Feeling not at peace?– Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”

• Feeling alone? – Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand’

Another practical piece of advice, is that, even putting your name, or personalising the scripture to yourself, and saying it outloud, speaking to yourself in the mirror. “God’s word says that I shall not fear because he is with me. I will not be dismayed, for He is MY God, He will strengthen me. Yes, He will help me. He will uphold me with His righteous right hand”.

And you know what, you can do this when you’re happy also! To keep yourself rejoicing, and to turn just happy, into praising God!

Feeling happy – Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice!

Repeat these in your head. Sing these scriptures daily. So that when the time comes, where your feelings are overwhelming, present to yourself the word of God!

I pray that this has encouraged you! Let me know what scriptures which encourage you. And how you remember the word of God!

God bless you,

~ peace, joy & love.

TK