In (Philippians 4:8-9) of the New Testament we read, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there be any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” vs. 9 “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
The latter part of verse 9 tells us that the God of peace will be with us. As a person thinks on things of desirable quality and worth, this discipline produces a good thought process. Peace and positive results follow.
We have all experienced difficult circumstances that caused feelings of helplessness and a heightened level of anxiety and insecurity; bringing feelings of frustration. This is the nature of humanity, but we can guard against and rise above such feelings. No-one need submit, or surrender themselves to them.
Bear in mind, when feelings are allowed to captivate one’s thinking, they are known to generate paranoia that fail to represent what is factual; often falling short of truth. They are only feelings of what might be. Facts are not based upon feelings, yet people fall apart, because things seem to be this way or that? Unsubstantiated feelings are just that, feelings; nothing more.
When a person invites Jesus into their heart and becomes a Christian, redemption from sin is not based upon feelings. It is confirmed by what God’s Word says. People are transformed into a Godly nature when they put into practice what the Bible invites them to do. It instructs the reader on how to pass from death unto life through Jesus Christ the Lord. It is so easy and straightforward, yet some individuals assume it to be most difficult.
(Romans 10:9-10), “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” v.10 “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
If there is little or no feeling at conversion, this does not negate the inerrant Word of God. We each have unique personalities, which react differently. We need not ‘feel’ to make the Bible ‘factual’. When individuals act upon God’s instructions in (Romans 10:9), the Bible says they are saved. It doesn’t specify whether feelings occur or not. It becomes a progression of walking by faith.
Faith is based upon thought. When we read the Bible and think on its content, this produces faith. The faith that is produced replaces worry. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” (Romans ).
Anytime worry captivates the thought process, because of unconstructive feelings, this person needs to remember what (Philippians 4:8-9) can do for them. When we meditate upon the truths of God’s Word, it brings peace to our mind, because it is Holy Spirit inspired and pure. It satisfies and gratifies. As we consume the truths of the Bible, we become stronger in faith, because God’s Word is alive.
Given that maturity in faith is the result of reading and hearing God’s Word, as we exercise the faith that is established in our heart from studying the Bible, God strengthens our endeavors to rise above negative feelings. We walk in His strength and stature; unashamed to hold our head high as children of God.
(2 Timothy ), “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God; a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
As we think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and of good report, God’s peace prevails; our faith increases; and our walk with Him becomes sure and steadfast.
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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