Using Emotions as a Gauge: A Biblical Perspective

Your Emotions: A Gauge, Not a Guide

As human beings, we are emotional creatures. We experience a wide range of emotions, from joy and love to sadness and anger. These emotions can be overwhelming and confusing, especially when they are intense or conflicting. It's easy to feel like our emotions are in control and that we are at their mercy. But this couldn't be further from the truth.

Our emotions are not meant to be our guide. They are meant to be a gauge, a way to measure what is going on inside of us. Just like a speedometer in a car, our emotions give us feedback about what is happening, but they do not determine our course of action.

What Does the Bible Say About Emotions?

The Bible has a lot to say about emotions. It tells us that God created us with emotions and that they are a gift from him. We are told to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We are also told to be angry and not sin (Ephesians 4:26).

But the Bible also warns us about the dangers of letting our emotions control us. We are told that the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9). We are warned that anger can lead to sin and that bitterness can cause trouble and defile many (Hebrews 12:15).

So, while our emotions are a part of who we are, they are not meant to be our guide. They are not meant to dictate our actions or determine our path. Instead, they are meant to be a gauge, a way to measure what is going on inside of us.

What Does it Mean to Use Our Emotions as a Gauge?

Using our emotions as a gauge means that we acknowledge them, but we do not let them control us. It means that we pay attention to what we are feeling, but we do not base our decisions solely on those feelings.

One way to think about this is to imagine a car driving down a road. The driver is aware of the speedometer, but they do not let it determine their course of action. Instead, they use it as a gauge to make sure they are driving safely and within the speed limit. In the same way, we can use our emotions as a gauge to make sure we are staying on the right path, but we do not let them determine our course of action.

How Can We Use Our Emotions as a Gauge?

So, how can we use our emotions as a gauge? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions

The first step in using your emotions as a gauge is to acknowledge them. This means recognizing what you are feeling and why you are feeling it. This can be difficult, especially if you are experiencing intense or conflicting emotions. But it's important to take the time to identify what is going on inside of you.

2. Evaluate Your Emotions

Once you have acknowledged your emotions, the next step is to evaluate them. Ask yourself if your emotions are based on truth or if they are misleading you. Are they in line with what God says in his word? Are they causing you to sin or to act in a way that is not pleasing to God?

3. Take Action Based on Truth

Finally, once you have acknowledged and evaluated your emotions, it's time to take action based on truth. This means making decisions that are in line with what God says in his word, even if they go against what you are feeling. It means trusting that God's ways are higher than our ways and that his plans for us are good (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Conclusion

Our emotions are a part of who we are, but they are not meant to be our guide. They are meant to be a gauge, a way to measure what is going on inside of us. When we use our emotions as a gauge, we acknowledge them, evaluate them, and take action based on truth. This allows us to stay on the right path and to make decisions that are pleasing to God.

So, the next time you are feeling overwhelmed or confused by your emotions, remember that they are not meant to be your guide. Instead, use them as a gauge to measure what is going on inside of you and make decisions based on truth.

Remember, God is with you every step of the way. He sees your struggles and he cares for you. Trust in him and he will guide you on the path of righteousness.