“When I am afraid I will trust in you.”

Psalm 56:3

It is easy to let our emotions inform our faith.

It is most natural to have our fears and concerns instruct what we believe and carry the day in how we view our situation.

David was a man who experienced the full range of emotions. In this psalm, his emotional expression included tears and lamentation. David was real and honest about his emotional state. He valued his emotions and shared them openly with God.

Yet as much as he honored his emotions, he realized that they needed to be controlled by a greater reality. That reality was the nature and character of God.

As great as his reason to fear, David had a greater reason to trust. David informed his emotions by his faith in God rather than his emotions informing his faith. He understood that the powerful feelings he experienced must not set the agenda for his heart.

Jesus taught this principle to his disciples on the night of his betrayal and arrest. He had been telling the disciples frightening news that he was going away. He realized that the disciples’ emotions could lead them to the pitfall of unbelief.

He said to them, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God” (John 14:1a). Jesus knew fears were fighting to take control of his disciples’ hearts. He knew the remedy was trust in God, so he encouraged them to choose trust rather than fear.

Is there an area of your life where your emotions are directing your faith?

Is there a place of fear in your heart that is causing you to doubt the truth about God as revealed in his word?

Make the choice to have your trust in God carry the day. Invite your emotions to follow rather than lead.

Prayer starter: Lord, thank you for giving me the power of choice. I choose to trust you in the areas I am afraid.