We’ve all faced seasons where we don’t feel like doing what we know we should. Our convictions may be clear, but our desire to stick to them may fluctuate on any given day.
Here are some scenarios to help you identify with this common tendency:
- You said you want to be diligent in your quiet times with the Lord, but you wake up extra tired and end up hitting the snooze button more times than you can remember.
- You know the importance of planning a date night with your wife, but by the end of the day all you want is to put your feet up and watch TV.
- Raising your children to be responsible and respectful is at the top of your list of priorities, but today the attitudes are easier to ignore than to expend the time and energy needed to correct them.
- You want to share sexual intimacy with your spouse, but after the things he/she said last night, you really don’t feel like it anymore.
- You know money is tight and you need to stick to your budget, but you’re craving some french fries right now, and after a day like today you deserve a treat.
Can you relate?
We are more prone to do the things we feel like doing than we are to do the things we say are important to us.
Our feelings are fickle.
They cannot be trusted.
And our feelings are what scream the loudest when it is time to do the thing we said we would do.
The good news for us today is the fact that God’s mercies are new every morning. He is aware we need a fresh dose everyday to fight the good fight of faith and choose what Christ told Mary was “the good part.”
Following Christ and His ways are counter-culture to following our feelings and it’s ways. We live in a world where “if it feels good–do it,” is the standard of living. To say no to our feelings is hard, but Christ will help us in our weakness. We only have to admit our need and ask for help.
All the great temptations appear first in the region of the mind and can be fought and conquered there. We have been given the power to close the door of the mind. We can lose this power through disuse or increase it by use, by the daily discipline of the inner man in things which seem small and by reliance upon the word of the Spirit of truth. It is God that worketh in you, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. It is as though He said, ‘Learn to live in your will, not in your feelings.’
Amy Carmichael
In what ways are your feelings trying to conquer your convictions?
The Romantic Vineyard 
Procrastination and being tired all the time interferes with my convictions. I want so much but I give up so easily or I’m not willing to stay awake or work for what I truly want. I also get distracted fairly easily. Thanks for sharing that quote by Amy Carmichael, she is one of my heros.
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Sara,
I can so relate. When we’re tired it’s really hard to keep from procrastinating. This is why it helps to have a friend to help keep you accountable and this can be your spouse, but doesn’t have to be. Thanks for sharing your love of Amy Carmichael. I love everything she has written.
Blessings,
Debi
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*cringe* I know I am not acting according to what I know to be right just now.
All I can see is how *I* have been wronged … so I’m hanging onto it instead of saying sorry for ‘my’ distance (to make my point 😦 … how wrong is that?!), and moving on with a husband who is WAY more than I deserve… I know that.
Oh what sin is in this heart of mine
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Yes, but what a Savior we have to cover our sins! Thanks for sharing!
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Honestly, I am fighting a “lack of hope”. I can read my Bible and my daily devotional in the morning but by the end of the day there is the doubt that things will ever be “good”. We have had positives: 1) my husband was unemployed for five months and has gotten a job. He just completed his first week. 2) family is well 3) we have food and a roof over our heads, etc. I guess I am looking for an easy way and each day brings a new trial that throws me off. I have to remember that Gratitude equals attitude! Thank You, Lucy
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Lucy, how right you are! Our attitude makes all the difference. Just reading your comment I can see the negative attitude and the positive. I’m so glad God is helping you “fight the good fight”. It will be worth it when we stand before God on that day!
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Your posts are such a blessing…I know this one was written just for me. 🙂 Actually its just another way God is using your ministry to reach us! I just faced this challenge over the weekend…succumbing to a bad mood. I simply let me feelings take control and ruin the day. Its a struggle to stay above the fray and not let our minds take control. But the last quote says it all!
Thank you so much!!
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We’re so glad this post has helped you lift your eyes above the trouble. We pray God will continue to help you say Yes to His will in your marriage. Thank you for sharing!
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