Trust in God’s word, not your feelings
Pulpit & P
ew
There are times in our lives when we don’t feel worthy, accepted or even wanted. We may not feel like we deserve the goodness of God.
Our feelings ebb and flow, they change over time, but God’s word doesn’t. God’s word is firm, like God himself, the rock of our salvation.
When Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me,” (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24) think about what Jesus was doing in that moment and in the hours and days to come. Jesus was telling them that he would die and resurrect. He told them not to be troubled, for he was an overcomer; he told them that a counselor would come and be with them (the Holy Spirit) and that their grief would turn to joy. (John 13-16) Not only did Jesus tell them these things, but he took on the wrath of God by all the beatings, whippings, crucifixion and the mocking people displayed. Through it all, Jesus displayed kindness, forgiveness, encouragement, and he reminded people of Old Testament scriptures that pointed to this event. He died and rose again. After his resurrection, Jesus continued to show kindness, forgiveness and love toward his disciples.
During this time, Jesus proclaimed himself to be the way, the truth and the life and the true vine. He challenged people to believe in him and said plainly that, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) These things happened during and after his last supper. More disciples came on board. Paul became a disciple even after harassing and pursuing Christians. I am sure Paul struggled with some of the same issues we struggle with, acceptance, worthiness and deserving the mercies of God. In Romans 7, he wrote about struggling with sin but concluded, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Jesus is our overcomer.”
Paul recognized many of our struggles (I would dare say most) come from our own mind and wrong preconceptions and expectations. We must learn to accept what God’s word says about us.
The word says we are justified, forgiven and made righteous, Romans 5:1. We are redeemed, Colossians 1:14, free of condemnation, Romans 8:1, and nothing can separate us from God’s love, Romans 8:35-39.
God’s word is longer-lasting and more reliable than our feelings. Trust in what God’s word says about us!
— Pastor Doug Baty,
Westside Christian Church
