This Day-6 devotion is adapted from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones sermon "Feelings"

The Tyranny of Feelings

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands." (2 Timothy 1:6)

In our battle against spiritual depression, few forces are as powerful as our feelings. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones observed that many Christians live under the tyranny of their emotions, allowing their spiritual condition to be dictated by fleeting moods.

We all desire happiness. Yet as Lloyd-Jones pointed out, we cannot directly produce emotions. Try as you might, you cannot simply decide to feel happy, peaceful, or joyful. Feelings come unbidden, influenced by countless factors beyond our conscious control—physical health, brain chemistry, memories, and spiritual realities.

The world calls this being "moody." Christians experiencing this phenomenon often conclude something is wrong with their faith. "If I were a better Christian," they think, "I wouldn't feel this way." This misunderstanding leads to deeper spiritual depression as they add guilt to their existing emotional struggles.

Paul's instruction to Timothy offers a profound alternative. "Fan into flame the gift of God" suggests active engagement regardless of feelings. The image is of nurturing embers into a blazing fire—an action taken despite conditions, not because of them.

Lloyd-Jones made a crucial distinction between rejoicing and feeling happy. Rejoicing is a deliberate choice to focus on God's goodness despite emotional states. Happiness is a pleasant feeling that may or may not accompany rejoicing.

The solution isn't pursuing happiness directly but seeking righteousness first. "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," Jesus taught, "and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). Emotions make wonderful servants but terrible masters. When we make them the measure of our spiritual health, we inevitably descend into depression.

Today, if you're struggling with negative emotions, don't wait until you feel better to engage spiritually. Like Timothy, fan into flame your spiritual gifts despite feelings of inadequacy. Pray when you don't feel like praying. Read Scripture when it seems dry. Serve others when you'd rather withdraw.

True joy emerges not from pursuing happiness but from pursuing Christ and finding that happiness has quietly joined the journey.