“Faith cannot be solely dependent on feelings.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 1, 2025
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23. ESV
There are days when I feel like following Jesus, and there are many when I don’t. Does it mean I desire to live in outright rebellion, rejecting Christ and the way of discipleship? No. But does it mean that I find myself in seasons of exhaustion or confusion, wondering why he has allowed this or that to happen, questioning if I have the strength to carry on? Absolutely.
Faith cannot be solely dependent on feelings. It must have a foundation of faithfulness that can carry us through moments of elation and despair. On the days that you don’t feel like following Jesus, your life as a disciple is shown to be true. Or at least, you are invited to live as a true disciple in a way that chooses faithfulness over feelings.
Faithfulness over feelings is one of the most important lessons you and I will ever learn. Though our feelings are an important part of who we are, they are fickle things that can easily lead us astray. When we don’t feel like loving our spouse anymore, we must not give into those feelings but instead choose to be faithful to the promises made to one another. When we no longer enjoy our work, we press on and seek to model hard work and devotion, even when it’s difficult. And when our hearts are numb to the voice of the Lord, we double down on a way of life that is tested and true, believing our emotions will one day catch back up with our actions.
Whether you feel close to the Lord or a million miles away, there is an invitation before you today to choose to put one foot in front of the other, daily taking up your cross, making concrete decisions to serve God and neighbor. There is simply no substitute for faithfulness, so resolve today to follow the way of Jesus, regardless of how you may feel, believing and trusting that the Spirit will be with you every step of the way.
Prayer
Father, help us to take up our cross every single day, on good days and bad days, staying close to you through the work of your Spirit in our hearts and lives, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Do you have a rhythm of life with the Lord that builds a habit of faithfulness that transcends your fleeting and fickle emotions?
Related Reading
1 Corinthians 15:58; Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:1-2
Worship Resource
Jon Guerra: Take Up Your Cross
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