A Day-by-day devotional

March 19, 2023

The seen and the felt

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 31-34

Scripture of the Day: 2 Corinthians 5:6-7

Having been created to be emotional beings, it is pretty common for us to sometimes rely on how we feel. Our feelings often depend on the things that we see or hear. They are subject to our senses and perception.

However, if we allow ourselves to be controlled by them, our lives will be miserable.

Considering the amount of evil taking place in the world today, including the numerous natural disasters happening globally, we would end up quite unhappy and angry. Therefore, we should refuse to be dominated by the seen and the felt. Otherwise, it would take a toll on us.

It is a different story though when we feel compassion towards the unfortunate plight of others. Parts of the world are experiencing war, oppression, lack of freedom. These are things we get to see and by seeing, we would undoubtedly feel heartbroken. But if we allow these things to get a hold of us, and the course of our lives be dictated by situations that we see and how we feel about them, stress and anxiety would be our companion.

Narrowing that down to just our own world – our family, circle of friends, workplace, the effect would be all the more tremendous. These areas consist our lives. If things go wrong, as they sometimes, if not often, will, we should not focus on the negative. In every situation, even if is majorly negative, there would still always be a part of it that could be positive. We just have to not allow our problems to overpower us.

Resist and refuse to be controlled, dictated, and overpowered by the seen and the felt. It is really easier said than done. But we have hope in that if we look to God, we know that things go well in the end.

Reflection: We may be witnessing and living horrible circumstances in life. Although it is normal to feel anxious due to what we see, it is going to be worth it when we still try to look for the good in the bad.

Prayer: Father, thank you for taking care of me, my family and loved ones. Although things are difficult at times, I know I only have to look into the hope that you have promised. Make me steadfast and strong. Help me not to be ruled by what I see. Amen.