#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:26-27 (NIV)
You know that feeling when you’re riding a roller coaster? One moment you’re soaring high, feeling like you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re plummeting down, your heart racing with fear or excitement. Life can feel a lot like that, especially when it comes to our faith. Sometimes we get caught up in the highs of emotional experiences at church or during worship, but then we hit the lows when doubts creep in or life gets tough.
It’s easy to think that our faith is only strong when we’re feeling it, when our emotions are all in, but what happens when those feelings fade?
Here’s the thing: our faith isn’t supposed to be anchored in our emotions. It’s meant to be rooted in something much more stable and eternal—the Spirit of God.
Apologetic Insight:
William Lane Craig, in his book Reasonable Faith, reminds us that, “Christianity is not a religion of feelings; it’s a religion of facts.” He points out that our faith should be grounded in the historical reality of Jesus Christ, His life, death, and resurrection. This isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a foundation of truth that stands firm regardless of how we feel at any given moment.
Similarly, J. Warner Wallace, in his work Cold-Case Christianity, uses his background as a detective to show how the reliability of the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide a solid foundation for our faith. These accounts aren’t based on emotional testimonies but on historical evidence that can stand up in a court of law.
When we focus on the Spirit of God, we’re not relying on our own ever-changing emotions. Instead, we’re trusting in the unchangeable, eternal truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised in John 14:26-27, teaches us, guides us, and brings us peace that the world can’t give. This peace isn’t a fleeting emotion but a deep, abiding assurance that comes from knowing we are loved, forgiven, and guided by God.
Encouragement & Application:
Remember, your doubts and struggles are not a sign of weak faith; they’re an invitation to seek God more deeply. Here are some practical steps to strengthen your faith:
- Read and meditate on Scripture: Let God’s Word be your anchor when emotions are all over the place.
- Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit: Ask God to lead you into all truth, to comfort you when you’re down, and to remind you of His promises.
- Find a community or mentor: Being part of a group or having someone to discuss your faith with can help ground you in truth when emotions are high or low.
Reflection Questions:
- How do you usually respond when your emotions about faith change?
- What can you do to remind yourself of the truth when your feelings are not aligned with your faith?
- How can you cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit to find peace beyond your emotions?
Prayer:
Hey God, sometimes my faith feels like a roller coaster. Help me to anchor my heart in Your Spirit, not my emotions. Teach me to trust in Your Word, to listen to Your voice, and to find peace in the truth of who You are. When I’m feeling low, remind me of Your love and Your promises. Let Your Spirit guide me, comfort me, and give me the strength to walk this journey of faith with confidence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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