Faith Over Feelings: Why Emotions Can’t Be Your Guide
“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” — Jeremiah 17:9 (NASB)
Introduction
In a world that constantly tells us to “follow your heart” and “trust your feelings,” it’s easy to think emotions are the best compass for decision-making. But Scripture paints a different picture. While emotions are part of how God designed us, they were never meant to be the ultimate authority in our lives. In fact, relying on feelings alone can lead to confusion, deception, and spiritual stagnation.
So what’s the alternative? Walking by faith—not feelings.
Prayer:
Before we begin, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ be sure that you have privately named your sins to God the Father using 1 John 1:9 (If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness). You will then be in fellowship with God, filled with the Holy Spirit, and ready to learn Bible doctrine. If you have never personally believed in the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, the issue is not naming your sins, but faith alone in Christ alone. John 3:36 (He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.)
The Problem: Emotion-Based Living
Our culture elevates feelings as truth. Popular phrases like:
“Do what feels right.”
“Live your truth.”
“If it makes you happy, it can’t be wrong.”
…sound appealing, but they contradict the authority of God’s Word. The Bible warns us that our hearts—our seat of emotion and intellect—are flawed by sin and often self-serving (Jeremiah 17:9).
What’s wrong with feelings as a guide?
They’re inconsistent.
One moment you feel confident, the next anxious. Feelings fluctuate daily, sometimes hourly.
They’re influenced by circumstances.
Stress, hormones, fatigue, or social pressure can distort our perception of reality.
They’re not grounded in truth.
Just because something “feels” right doesn’t mean it aligns with God’s will (Proverbs 14:12).
The Biblical Solution: Walk by Faith, Not Sight (or Emotion)
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NASB)
Faith isn’t blind optimism—it’s trusting in the unchanging character and promises of God, even when your emotions tell a different story. Faith is rooted in truth, not perception.
What does it mean to walk by faith?
Believe God’s Word over how you feel.
Even if you feel unworthy, Scripture says you’re loved and redeemed (Romans 8:1; Ephesians 1:7).
Trust God’s promises over your fears.
When anxiety rises, hold fast to God’s peace (Philippians 4:6-7).
Obey God’s instructions, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Feelings often urge comfort; faith chooses obedience (Luke 9:23).
Examples from Scripture
David:
In many psalms, David poured out deep emotional anguish but anchored himself in truth. “Why are you in despair, my soul?… Hope in God” (Psalm 42:11).
Jesus in Gethsemane:
Christ felt overwhelming sorrow, even to the point of death (Matthew 26:38), but submitted to the Father’s will: “Not as I will, but as You will” (v. 39). Perfect faith over overwhelming emotion.
Practical Application: How to Put Faith Above Feelings
Name Your Emotions—but Don’t Let Them Rule
Acknowledge what you feel. Then compare it to God’s truth.
Daily Intake of Bible Doctrine
Faith grows through truth. The more you study God’s Word under sound teaching, the less sway emotions will have over your decisions (Romans 10:17).
Lean on the Spirit, Not the Soul
Feelings come from the soul; discernment and stability come through the Holy Spirit when you are in fellowship (1 John 1:9).
Closing Encouragement
Feelings aren’t evil—they’re indicators, not dictators. They can point to what’s going on inside, but they should never override God’s truth. When you feel anxious, hurt, or lost, don’t follow your heart—follow the Word.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105 (NASB)
Allow time to study Bible doctrine and prayer and apply what you learn to your life, but you can’t do this alone. You need a pastor-teacher. I recommend the teachings from Pastor R.B. Thieme II and his son R.B. Thieme III.. We cannot know the Will of God for our lives without understanding who and what he is! Knowledge builds trust, and trust builds knowledge.