Today we will talk about “faith is not a feeling.” Many Christians do not know what this means. It can be easy to confuse faith with our emotions or how we perceive circumstances. However, faith is a deep, steady trust in God that goes beyond our feelings. In Scripture, we are taught that faith is about belief in the unseen and unwavering trust in God’s promises. As we explore these verses together, let’s open our hearts and minds to understand the rich, profound nature of faith and how it stabilizes us even when we don’t feel like it. Join us as we dig deep into God’s Word and discover that our faith can stand firm amidst trials and tribulations.
Faith is not a Feeling Bible Verse
Understanding Faith Beyond Emotions
Faith is often portrayed as an emotional experience, a feeling that makes us feel happy or secure. Yet, the Bible teaches us that true faith transcends fleeting emotions. When we say “faith is not a feeling,” it reminds us that our belief in God is not based on what we can see or feel but rather on trust in His promises. We are encouraged through various Scriptures to strengthen our faith through knowledge, hope, and spiritual experiences that go deeper than mere emotions. By doing so, we can cultivate a resilient faith that weathers the storms of life.
2 Corinthians 5:7
“For we live by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
Romans 10:17
“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” – Romans 10:17
James 1:6
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” – James 1:6
Faith is Trusting God’s Promises
In our journey of faith, one of the most comforting truths is that faith is built on trusting God’s promises. Regardless of our feelings, we can choose to believe in His steadfastness. We remind ourselves through Scripture that God is faithful and that His promises are true; they aren’t contingent on how we feel at any given moment. When life gets tough, embracing this understanding helps us maintain a perspective grounded in trust versus emotions.
Psalm 119:89
“Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” – Psalm 119:89
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Romans 4:20-21
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” – Romans 4:20-21
2 Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9
Faith as a Choice
Faith is more than a feeling; it’s a conscious choice we make daily. We encounter moments when we feel low, discouraged, or overwhelmed, but in those moments, choosing to affirm our faith brings strength. It’s about standing firm despite our feelings and actively choosing to trust God with our lives and circumstances. By recognizing faith as a choice, we empower ourselves to live according to the truths of Scripture, rather than our fluctuating feelings.
Joshua 24:15
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” – Joshua 24:15
1 Timothy 6:12
“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Colossians 2:6-7
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:6-7
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Faith That Endures Trials
In times of difficulty, our faith is tested, and it is important to understand that it doesn’t diminish our belief in God. Instead, faith that endures trials reflects our strength and resilience. As we face challenges and hardships, we can find comfort in knowing our faith grows deeper, reminding us of God’s ever-present help. Our emotions may fluctuate, but the foundation of our faith allows us to keep moving forward with a steadfast heart.
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
1 Peter 1:7
“These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:7
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
“With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18
Building Faith Through Community
We also recognize that faith is not an isolated experience; it’s nurtured within community. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who inspire and uplift us is essential in reinforcing our understanding that faith is not merely a feeling. Together, we share wisdom, experiences, and encouragement, helping one another grow in our faith regardless of our emotional states. Unity within the body of Christ reminds us we’re part of a bigger story that goes beyond how we feel at any moment in time.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Romans 12:5
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:5
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20
Faith Requires Patience
Patience is another vital aspect of faith. In striving to trust God, we might feel anxious or restless as we await His timing. But understanding that faith is not merely a feeling reminds us to be calm and confident. God’s timing is perfect, and faith requires us to wait and allow the unfolding of His plan. With this patient trust, we strengthen our faith and redirect our thoughts from our impatience to His unwavering presence.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14
Lamentations 3:25-26
“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:25-26
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
Romans 8:25
“But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” – Romans 8:25
Hebrews 6:15
“And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” – Hebrews 6:15
Faith and Prayer
Prayer is an essential and powerful practice in developing a true sense of faith. It is our direct line of communication with God who knows our hearts, desires, and even our doubts. Faith is not merely romantic notions; rather, through prayer, we articulate our needs and hopes. This act deepens our relationship with God while reinforcing faith that doesn’t hinge on emotions but on a committed relationship with Him. No matter how we feel, we can always turn to prayer to connect with the heart of our heavenly Father.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 John 5:14
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” – 1 John 5:14
Ephesians 6:18
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:18
Matthew 7:7
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7:7
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Faith Requests Action
When we embrace the truth that faith is not a feeling, we can put our faith into action. Genuine faith inspires us to act; it motivates us to live out our beliefs daily. It isn’t about passively waiting but actively moving in obedience to God’s will. We encourage ourselves through Scripture to be doers of the word and not hearers only, allowing our actions to reflect our deep-seated faith that transcends emotions.
James 2:19
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” – James 2:19
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Titus 3:8
“This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to stress these things so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.” – Titus 3:8
Hebrews 11:4
“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings.” – Hebrews 11:4
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored together, faith is the bedrock upon which we build our lives. It’s not something we feel or conjure up when it suits us; instead, it’s a deep commitment to trust God, regardless of our circumstances or emotions. Through understanding Scripture, we realize that faith is a choice we make daily, built and reinforced by prayer, community, and action.
When storms of doubt assail us, we can rest assured that our faith stands firm as a testament to God’s promises and goodness. Journeying with other believers enriches our faith, reminding us we are never alone. Let’s encourage one another as we embrace the beautiful truth that faith is not a feeling. It’s our lifeline, our strength, and our hope.
With faith, we can face every day with courage, knowing that God is beside us, guiding our steps, and fulfilling His promises in our lives, even when our emotions may not reflect that truth. Let’s walk out our faith with joy and resilience, for we know that never once has God failed to keep His Word.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4