I have realized that I have trusted too much in my feelings and my thoughts instead of the word of God, however learning to rely solely on God’s word is difficult, what advice can you give regarding that? How can I learn to trust in what is written in the Bible and not what I feel or what thoughts pop up in my mind?
Relying on our own thoughts or feelings is easier for us because it’s what we’ve always done. It has become an automatic response to the circumstances of our life. But it’s only a habit we’ve acquired.
Learning to trust God’s word is a matter of forming a new habit to replace the old one. And like any new habit, it requires repetition and resolve.
Trust begins with faith. In Romans 10:17 Paul said faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. In 2 Cor. 5:7 Paul said we live by faith not by sight.
So trusting God’s word is a matter of hearing and living; “hearing” what the Bible says by reading and listening, and applying it in faith and with prayer in our daily lives.
At first, this will seem awkward because it’s not something we’re used to doing. But with practice, it will become easier. Over time, we’ll discover it has become our new habit and will be as natural to us as trusting our feelings used to be.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105)