Jill Johnson
By JILL JOHNSON
I will be the first to admit that I have very soft feelings. I get my feelings hurt very easily. In my head, I am always thinking and analyzing everything from what was said to how I respond. I am sure I am my own worst enemy when it comes to "feelings."
If you look up the definition of "feelings," it says they are a subjective response to a person, thing, or situation. Basically, it means our feelings are based on our personal perspective. Now, I don't know about you, but my perspective can change many times, which in turn means my feelings are constantly changing.
I have a really hard time and struggle with not letting my feelings wound my heart. When I allow my feelings to act as truth in my life, it is harmful to my mood, my confidence, and my heart. For instance, I have been in a situation where someone is sharing a picture or story, and they show others in the room and neglect to show me. My mind tells me they did not want me to be a part of their conversation or story. That is my personal perspective. However, the truth might be that it was just an oversight on the other person's part.
It is not an easy road to have soft feelings. Trust me because I know. So what is the answer to this dilemma
Only God. He is able to guide me in truth versus what I might be subjectively feeling. My feelings do not define me. God's Word is truth, and that is what defines me. God's truth will always outweigh my feelings. The problem is that I have to be willing to allow God to have priority over my feelings. Sometimes that is hard to do. I have to really work at it, and I will be honest and say I am not always successful.
Here are ways I have discovered to allow God's truth to conquer my sometimes overwhelming or misleading feelings. First, I have to stop and be still, allowing myself time to think before reacting. At times, my feelings win because they just happen to be faster to react than the truth and wisdom God provides. I have to stop, slow down, consider what is said, and filter it through the truth of God's Word. It's a discipline I have to practice. Exodus 14:14 says, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." Job 6:24 reads, "Teach me and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong." Stop, wait, pray, and listen to the truth before acting on your feelings.
Second, I have to allow myself to honestly acknowledge my feelings. They are, after all, what I am experiencing at the moment. The only way I can turn over my feelings to God is to be honest with how I am feeling. Being honest with yourself and with God is very freeing. John 8:32 says, "Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." Be honest with yourself and turn it over to God.
One of the last things I will share is to search for scripture, to have it available to speak to what you are feeling. For instance, if you are feeling insecure, remember Ephesians 2:10, which reads, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." If you are feeling lonely, remember Hebrews 13:5, where God says He will never leave or forsake us. When we are scared of the unknown, remember Jeremiah 1:5, which says, "Be strong and courageous, Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Just search the scriptures and memorize what you need to help you see the truth, and it will ease your feelings.
Now, don't get me wrong; I do not have this conquered. I struggle daily. But what I have learned is that sensitive people who have soft feelings notice others who seem to be sad, upset, or have a need. I am grateful for the times God allows me to see and help others.
I just have to continually remind myself that God's TRUTH is the answer to my feelings. We are fearfully and wonderfully made by a God who loves us completely, feelings included.
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Jill Johnson finds spiritual applications in her everyday experiences as a wife, mother, grandmother, and Georgian. Jill is retired from the Georgia Baptist Mission Board and is available to speak to your church's women's gatherings. Reach her at jjohnson@gabaptist.org.
