I was recently reading the testimony of a recovering drug addict. He said that a life changing concept for him in overcoming his habit was being told that emotions are not facts. This was revolutionary to his thinking because he took drugs over the years partly because of emotions. He experienced deep emotional pain most of his life; his family was dysfunctional and he felt inadequate to fulfill their expectations, etc.

How freeing to him to realize that how you feel is not necessarily the truth of the matter. Therefore you can make decisions and choices in your life based on the facts rather than how you feel about your circumstances.

This is good advice for anyone walking in Christ’s footsteps. We encounter all kinds of trials and difficulties along the path. Sometimes it is because we are under spiritual attack but other times it is just the way life goes. We get sick; our car breaks down; we lose our job; a friend goes away.

But no matter how we feel, facts are better. For instance: My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19) I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus and forgiven of all my sins. (Ephesians 1:7) No weapon that is formed against me shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17) The Lord rescues me from temptation. (2 Peter 2:9) There are hundreds of facts in God’s Word worthy of our confidence.

Live by emotions? No – just the facts!