1 Samuel 13:12 So I said, ‘The Philistines are ready to march against us at Gilgal, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.”13“How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. Had you kept it, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.

Feelings are neither good nor bad; they are just feelings. Roxette sang a song back in the 80’s that said, “Listen to Your Heart.” I have heard many well-meaning people give that same advice to people they love. The problem with listening to your heart is that your heart is not always trustworthy. Feelings are often in line with the most recent thing they have heard or seen, and not necessarily aligned with what God has said.

King Saul allowed his feelings to put him into a panic and he made a horrible decision that cost him his kingdom. When our feelings lead us away from God’s instructions, we always lose. When our feelings rule the day, our faith takes a back seat and our direction becomes uncertain. When difficult times come, it is important that you check your feelings and exercise faith. Consider this question: Are you following what God has said or just the most recent thing you have heard?

Today’s Challenge: Don’t allow what you see, hear, or feel to remove your resolve to obey God. It may appear that God is late or not going to show up at all. Remember, God has a proven track record of showing up for those who wait on Him.