CHRISTLIKE AFFECTION
“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV
I have spoken with many believers who struggle with the feeling that something must be wrong when their emotions don’t seem to reflect God’s nearness.
This is a common experience, though each person’s response may vary. In the passage we reflect on today, Paul reminds us that it is God who shines His light into our hearts, enabling us to even desire or recognize His presence. Without His divine intervention, we would have no taste for God at all. The Scriptures, in their convicting power, stir deep emotions in us—emotions that can be humbling and challenging. If it weren’t for God’s love poured into our hearts and the assurance that we are His beloved children, the weight of confronting our sin would overwhelm us.
Child of God, understanding this truth is the path to resting in Him. When the enemy tries to deceive you into thinking that your emotions determine the state of your sonship, take those thoughts captive and bring them under submission to Christ. A continual hunger for more of God is the normal posture of the believer until Christ returns. Otherwise, we would be trying to settle for a finite relationship with the infinite God, which is simply impossible.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for this wisdom. Our confidence is not in how we feel or what we do in your name, but in Christ who died and rose that we may have access to you. Help me to always remember that above all things, I am a child of God, helped by God and taught of God, in Jesus mighty name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Psalm 16:11
• Romans 5:5
