ADULLAM – a 7-Day Devotional for Menنموونە

Conviction Over Emotions – Lead with Truth, Not Feelings

I fail at this often. It’s easy to be led by emotions rather than truth. I may stress eat, get down on myself, or react in frustration because, in the moment, it feels right. The reality is that I am not defined by what I claim to believe—I am shaped by my habits—not my intentions, not my aspirations, but by what I consistently do. If my habits are dictated by my emotions, then I am at the mercy of every passing feeling, and that is a dangerous place to be.

Scripture makes it clear that our hearts are not reliable guides. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, English Standard Version). Our emotions may be real, but they are not always righteous. They can lead us into fear, doubt, sin, and self-deception if not brought under the authority of God’s unchanging Word.

David, a man after God’s own heart, knew despair intimately. He was betrayed, hunted, and overwhelmed. Yet, he did not let his feelings dictate his faith. Instead, he preached truth to himself: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:5). David did not ignore his emotions—he confronted them with God’s promises. That is biblical manhood.

Bro, I'm not Superman. You're not Superman. But we serve a God who humbled Himself to be a man (Philippians 2:6-8). Jesus knows every weakness, every struggle, and every sorrow we face. Yet, He never allowed emotions to lead Him—He was led by the will of the Father (John 6:38). That is our model.

Truth doesn’t change. God’s Word doesn’t fail. If we want to walk in wisdom, we must reject emotional impulsivity and submit every thought, desire, and habit to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). A man of God is not one who suppresses emotion—he is one who leads it with truth.

Challenge: Read Scripture daily. Feelings change—God’s truth doesn’t.

Reflection: Where have you been letting emotions dictate your decisions rather than God’s Word?