Feelings are just feelings. Just because you experience a certain feeling doesn’t make it true. 

Maybe this is the first time you’re hearing this. Now, don’t get me wrong – feelings are not bad. They are powerful, and God gave them to us for a reason. In fact, Jesus had emotions! But, it’s important to know that our feelings aren’t always expressions of the truth. 

“39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. 40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ 41 And he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ 43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow…” Luke 22:39–45

Verse 42 stands out to me in this passage, specifically the second half. Which verse(s) stands out to you? 

When this passage is preached on, pastors often focus on a couple things: Jesus sweating blood, the disciples falling asleep, etc. But, do you see the major distress here?

Jesus was filled with anxiety and fear – even to the point of sweating blood – because going to the cross and dying meant separation (momentary) from God…

Yet he says, “…Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”

Jesus knew, even though his feelings at this moment weren’t wrong, that God’s truth and will mattered most. 

Take a moment and reflect on these questions, whether through prayer, journaling or whatever helps you best:

• What emotion(s) are you possibly letting rule your life right now? 
• Write out a prayer surrendering those feelings to God, and ask Him to replace any untrue feelings with His truth and Word.
• How does knowing that Jesus overcame his emotions – even his intense anxiety over the cross – to hold to God’s truth and promise comfort you and allow you to do the same?

Let’s allow Christ to be our example when we feel like our emotions are taking over.