Hope in Christ. From Feelings to Faith.

First things first. How many times do we have to be reminded that we should walk by faith and not by sight? Periodically, I find myself in my feelings and have to ask God for forgiveness. Why? Because I set my eyes on what I see and not on what I know to be true in the Kingdom of God.

The Lord wants us to be in alignment with His will and understand that there is no need for feelings in faith.

Despite my mishaps, I desire to put my faith, hope and trust in Christ.

Definitions:

Before we explore more on this topic, let’s interpret a few words:

Definitions from Google (Oxford Languages):

Hope – a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. A feeling of trust. Want something to happen or be the case.

Feelings – an emotional state or reaction. A belief, especially a vague or irrational one.

Faith – complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Strong belief in God.

From Feelings to Faith

What are some things you can do to put your hope in Christ and move from feelings to faith?

1. Wake up with gratitude and take a second to think about how blessed you are. Speak gratefulness out of your mouth the moment you open your eyes. Journal. Make a thankfulness diary and write in it every day. One by one, count your blessings.
2. Sing praises. Praise God in the morning. Praise Him in the evening. The devil doesn’t like this. Praise silences him.
3. Pray. The word of God tells us to pray without ceasing. Pray God’s word often.
4. Speak life and remind yourself that you belong to the Most High. Say words of faith and not doubt. Positive and not negative. You are the head and not the tail, above and not beneath. God loves you so much!
5. Go for a walk. Being outside in nature is therapeutic. Take time to listen to the birds and breathe. Appreciate your surroundings.
6. Accountability and Prayer Partner. There is no need of going through challenges alone. Connect with someone you trust, join groups and be sure to fellowship with others in the Body of Christ.
7. Abide in God’s word. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 15:7

Faith

Along with the dictionary, we have the word of God that lays out a plain guideline for faith. Let’s see what Hebrews 11:1 in the Amplified bible has to say about FAITH.

Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].

Without a doubt, we should take heed and meditate daily on this part of the scripture…”faith comprehends as fact“.

Importantly, the word of God tells us that for whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful].. (Roman 14:23c)

Hope

What is biblical hope? It is hope based on faith. Hope is the sincere apprehension that follows belief in our Lord. Hope is a self-assured expectation that comes directly from faith in God. A calm conviction that something that hasn’t happened yet will actually happen is called hope. “Hope that is seen is no hope at all,” the saying goes. Hope must involve something that is still unknown. Who wishes for something they already possess?

For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:24-23

Furthermore, God has given us promises of escape from sin, promises that offer us hope. The gift of eternal life made possible through God’s son, Jesus Christ, gives us so much hope in the body of Christ. Whatever hardships, temptations, or suffering we may encounter, we may always cling to the hope God offers us.

In conclusion

Our life requires faith and not feelings. We must fight the good fight of faith!

Nothing is mine until I understand it. If we never believe that God will do the things that He promises, He will never do it. We must believe. Truth only pursues those who want it. Kingdom faith is in the King, not the King’s favor. When you don’t know, trust what you know about Him!

Don’t let anything stop your faith! Whatever stops your faith is the source of your faith and hope.

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith". Romans 1:17

Write in the comments about a time you were in your feelings and needed to exercise hope.