“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (ESV)

Motherhood isn’t what I expected.

It’s a whole lot more — more joy and more sorrow.

While I know that being a mom is a wonderful calling, this role has also exposed my heart to the wounding arrows of pain and grief. From newborn-feeding issues to my children’s serious medical diagnoses, my motherhood journey has included detours I never expected.

Maybe you navigate a child’s special needs, a teen’s rebellion or your own unique sorrows of motherhood.

These are painful realities in our broken world, and all the “feels” travel with them. Sadness, fear, anxiety, anger, disappointment and so many more unwelcome guests appear on our hearts' doorsteps.

Yet when life plays out differently than we hoped, in the big and the small, and our feelings are strong, sometimes we don’t feel God’s presence. Our sorrows can lead us to wonder, Where is God, and is He still good?

God designed us to feel deeply, which is wonderful, but our emotions aren’t reliable. We don’t live in Eden, and our bodies, relationships and circumstances experience the impacts of sin. Especially when life is difficult or unpredictable and we add some hormones — our feelings are changeable.

But here’s good news for our fluctuating hearts:

God is still good, whether we feel like He is or not. Because He is good (and powerful and wise and all His other attributes), we can trust Him, even in our suffering.

The apostle Paul wrote in our key verse, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

In other words, the whole Bible was written for our instruction and encouragement. Why? So that even when we feel sad, confused or any number of other things, we might have hope.

When our feelings scream loudly, we need bedrock truths about God, and those are found in His Word:

1. God is with us even when He feels far away. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

2. Challenging circumstances don’t mean God has forgotten us. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace … will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10, ESV)

3. Whether it feels like it or not, God is always good. “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7, ESV)

4. God is good when we don’t deserve it. “… God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Sisters, when life goes smoothly, it’s easier to say that God is good. However, when life is hard, it takes faith to trust Him. But it’s our faith — even a little faith — that pleases God. (Hebrews 11:6)

Feeling (or not feeling) something doesn’t make it true. If I’d relied solely on my emotions when my newborn struggled to gain weight or my children were diagnosed, I don’t know where I’d be today. By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit used Scripture to encourage me and give me hope. He can do the same for you today.

Dear Lord, sometimes my feelings are overwhelming and it’s hard to know what’s true anymore. But no matter what, You’re always good, and I can trust You. Help me cling to that today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

OUR FAVORITE THINGS

For deeper insight into how to speak truth to your feelings, grab a copy of Katie Faris’ book God Is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood.

ENGAGE

Follow Katie Faris on Facebook or Instagram, or visit her blog for more encouragement.

Enter to WIN your very own copy of God Is Still Good by Katie Faris. To celebrate this book, Katie’s publisher will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and then notify each one in the comments section by Monday, January 23, 2023.}

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 136:1, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (ESV)

Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (ESV)

What are your feelings telling you today? No matter how you feel, thank the Lord for being good.

© 2023 by Katie Faris. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Crossway Books for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

Click here to view our policy on third-party links.