I’ve Heard It Said That Feelings Follow Actions
This article is part of the I’ve Heard It Said series.
Subject Your Feelings to God’s Word
I’ve heard it said that feelings follow actions. I do think that’s true. Sometimes, especially when it comes to things like spiritual disciplines, if we rely on our feelings and we wait until we feel inspired or we wait until we feel lots of affection for the Lord, if we wait for those things before coming to his word, then we might not come at all. Because though our feelings are part of God’s created design for us, they still need to be subjected to God’s word and to what is true.
Everyday Faithfulness
Glenna Marshall
This book explores what daily faithfulness to Christ looks like when spiritual growth seems hard to measure, working through the unique challenges to faithfulness during seasons of waiting, doubting, caretaking, suffering, and more.
Sometimes we need to tell our feelings what is true, and Scripture can do that for us. And sometimes our feelings lag behind a little, quite honestly. And so I think that we do need to sometimes act first and let our feelings catch up.
If you are feeling that you need to read your Bible but you just don’t feel like it, or you want to pray but there’s maybe no affection for the Lord, do it anyway. Eventually, those things that you were doing—reading Scripture and praying—will actually warm your affections for the Lord and ignite those feelings that you’re waiting for. So sometimes action is necessary first so that the feelings can catch up later. Feelings follow actions. I would give that saying a seven star rating, if we’re thinking about it correctly.
Popular Articles in This Series
View All
I’ve Heard It Said, “Once Saved, Always Saved”
The Bible repeatedly warns us that God will not finally save you if you don’t persevere in the faith and good works.
I’ve Heard It Said That the Bible Is God’s Love Letter to Us
“The Bible is God’s love letter to us.” I can see where that’s coming from. It’s not a hundred percent wrong. It’s just that it’s probably not a big enough statement about what the Bible is.
I’ve Heard It Said That Motherhood Is a Woman’s Highest Calling
Motherhood is so good. Motherhood was designed by God, and it’s a good gift from above. But, first and foremost, we are children of God.
I’ve Heard It Said That Islam Is the Fastest-Growing Religion in the World
Some people say that Muslims are the least receptive to the gospel and that they are the most difficult people group to come to faith in Christ. This is a big lie.
