Our generation has a new god?
Scripture Focus:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
— Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)
Devotional Thought
Our generation has a new god — and it lives inside us.
It’s not carved from stone or forged in gold. It doesn’t sit in a temple or stand in the town square.
It speaks in phrases like, “Follow your heart.”
It whispers, “Do what feels right.”
And it demands constant affirmation.
It’s the idol of feelings — a god that promises freedom but delivers confusion.
Once, truth shaped emotion. Now, emotion defines truth.
And in the process, we’ve built a culture where comfort matters more than conviction.
1. The Deceptive Heart
Our emotions are real, but they aren’t reliable.
God created them, but He never meant for them to rule us.
Jeremiah warns that the heart is “deceitful above all things.” It can inspire us one moment and mislead us the next.
It can justify sin in the name of sincerity.
The world says, “Trust yourself.”
Scripture says, “Deny yourself.” (Matthew 16:24)
The cross doesn’t always feel good — but it’s always right.
2. Feelings Are Gauges, Not Guides
Feelings are like the dashboard lights of your soul. They reveal what’s happening inside but don’t tell you where to drive.
David was honest about his emotions. He wept, rejoiced, raged, and repented — but he never let emotion override obedience.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? … Put your hope in God.” — Psalm 42:5
David didn’t deny his emotions; he directed them toward God.
Maturity doesn’t silence your feelings — it surrenders them.
3. Truth Before Emotion
Today’s culture tells us that truth is cruel if it hurts feelings.
But real love doesn’t lie to spare emotions.
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” — 1 Corinthians 13:6
Biblical love corrects before it comforts.
It leads people out of deception, not deeper into it.
Truth may sting, but it also saves.
4. The Emotional Gospel
Even in the Church, we’ve drifted toward emotionalism.
We chase experiences over endurance, inspiration over instruction.
We measure God’s presence by how we feel, not by what He said.
But worship isn’t about goosebumps — it’s about surrender.
Emotion is a response to God’s presence, not proof of it.
True revival begins not with hype, but with humility.
5. Replacing Feelings with Faith
Jesus never told His followers to “feel” their way to heaven. He told them to follow Him — even when the road led to a cross.
Faith begins where feelings end.
When emotions conflict with truth, faith must lead the way.
“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
When your life is built on feelings, every storm shakes you.
When it’s built on truth, peace stands firm.
Reflection & Workbook Section
- Where have your emotions been leading your decisions more than God’s Word?
- How can you start bringing your feelings to God instead of being ruled by them?
- What “idol of feelings” do you need to surrender — approval, comfort, control, or validation?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for giving me emotions — the ability to love, grieve, and rejoice. But teach me to be led by truth, not by how I feel.
When my heart is loud, let Your Word speak louder.
When fear or pride tries to guide me, remind me that only You are worthy of my trust.
Tune my emotions to serve Your purpose and not replace it.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.