Barometric Readings

Feelings. They are one of my favorite subjects. I know now that for a set period of years, the Lord let 'em loose in my life, and I can tell you I didn't like feelings at all. Living with my feelings was like living in a continual hurricane. My feelings were my worst enemy, and everywhere I went, they went with me. It was bad.

But it worked for good.

I believe that our feelings can put us in a position of power. For instance, Jesus felt compassion for people, and healed them. Could he have healed them without having felt compassion? Or perhaps I should ask, would he have healed them? The truth, like it or not, is that we cannot live a life detached from human suffering and joy if we want to reach the lost and change the world. We cannot even be detached from our own joy and suffering.

Paul rattled off a whole list of great activities, and said that without love they were all nothing. Never fear: I've heard "love is not a feeling" just as often as you have. But let me ask you a question. Have you ever been the recipient of "love" that didn't have a feeling behind it? Did it energize or inspire you? Did it make you want more "unfeeling love"? Or did it make you want to run away and hide? Consider this: I can give all I possess to the poor-without love. So while love may not be just a feeling, love is also not just an act; all my "loving" actions get me nowhere if there is no feeling behind them.

During the years when my feelings ruled with a rod of iron, I couldn't imagine any good coming of it. Now, however, I realize that previously, I hadn't even known what my feelings were. I'd rarely felt compassion or anger or . much of anything. And I wasn't . much of anything. I didn't do . much of anything. I couldn't say . much of anything. My life didn't mean . much of anything.

So tonight my feelings let me know I was disappointed and discouraged. They aren't going to rule me: in a few minutes I'll be going to bed, and until I fall asleep I'll be meditating on the Lord's good promises to me. The discouragement did me no harm, though. I had the privilege of crying to the Lord and feeling close to Him as He comforted me. In addition, I have the benefit of being much less likely to condemn you when you feel discouraged-and perhaps I can even be a comfort to you.

Wisdom-not our feelings-is supposed to primarily direct our lives. But true wisdom comes out of a heart that feels; it is not merely a list of cold, harsh rules. Jesus is made our wisdom, and Jesus (never forget this) wept.

Feelings may make you uncomfortable, but they aren't bad. Go ahead and feel.

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