Baby it’s cold outside! Or is it????
The other day, several patients entered our office declaring, “It’s so warm outside!” It was a sunny 34o. After several overcast days of single digit temperatures, it seemed downright balmy.
But the same 34o in August would be frigid.
This thing is – 34 degrees is 34 degrees.
Period.
If it’s been cold, 34o feels like a heat wave, but if it’s been warm, 34o feels chilly.
It only seems to be cold or warm because of our feelings. The temperature is what it is, but we respond to it differently based upon how we feel at any given moment.
And our feelings are subjective. They are influenced by people around us, circumstances that we can or cannot control, health or hormones, the slow driver in front of us, the pants that no longer zipper up, the song that reminds us of something we want to forget.
How we feel about something doesn’t necessarily reveal the truth of a matter.
One day, my husband can ask, “Are you ready?” and I’ll say, “Just a minute, hon, gotta grab my bag.”
And another day, same question, same 3 words, but I’ll bite his head off. “What do you mean – am I ready? Who are you, the time-dictator? You’re always criticizing how long it takes me to do things. Do you think I try to make you wait? This is how long it takes me to get ready, so just hold your horses. Now I gotta grab my tissues and makeup. You made me cry. Thanks a lot.”
Same question. Two different responses depending on how I was feeling.
Our feelings change like the weather, up and down. (Sometimes even because of the weather, right?) And how we feel changes how we perceive things.
But there is something that never changes.
Jesus.
He is who He is – unchanging, fixed, the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). Our temperature may change, but His truth remains the same.
When we are upset or depressed, we must evaluate our feelings against the barometer of God’s Word. What is really the truth? How I feel? Or what God says?
True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. In fact, true peace is found in spite of them. (Philippians 4:6,7)
When we cling to the promises in the Word, they serve as an anchor to keep us rooted in the truth. No matter the winds of perception that fly through our minds, we can remain steadfast in truth.
“My feelings are not God. God is God. My feelings do not define truth. God’s word defines truth. My feelings are echoes and responses to what my mind perceives. And sometimes – many times – my feelings are out of sync with the truth. When that happens – and it happens every day in some measure – I try not to bend the truth to justify my imperfect feelings, but rather, I plead with God: Purify my perceptions of your truth and transform my feelings so that they are in sync with the truth.” ? John Piper, Finally Alive: What Happens When We Are Born Again?
This is so true! I’ve seen this happen in my own life and I think later why did I react that way? This is a good reminder to remember Who doesn’t change!
Bethany
We all need the reminder! Thank the Lord for His Spirit that prompts us ;D
Susan
This is an incredible post – thank you! Such profound, heartfelt truth, I love it. Thank you so much for sharing.
Heather, Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement! Pray that He makes His truth ever present in your life!
Susan
Kate,
Thanks so much! May He always reveal His truth to you, especially when feelings run strong.
Blessings,
Susan
This is an awesome post! Very profound truth!! I needed this reminder badly, Susan. Thank you for sharing with us.
Wonderfully true post.
Thanks Denise! May His truth be your truth, and mine too!!!
Susan
This is beautiful Susan and so true. Thanks for the reminder. Plan to print this out and keep it readily available.
So true, Susan; we often react to situations with feelings, but forget the truth or meaning. I truly wish I could leave my feelings sometimes at the ‘door’ and look at things more level-headed. Thanks for the reminder.