Emotion vs. Logic

1 Samuel 30:1–31:13

Reacting is easy. What’s difficult is overcoming emotions especially in a time of adversity. Although emotions are not bad, they can lead us astray. By the same token, when we go too far in the other direction and rely entirely on reason, we risk acting without empathy. The answer to this dilemma is not to use emotions against reason, but to pray instead.

Throughout his life King David struggles to balance emotion and logic. At times he was emotionally wrecked; at other times he is so calculated that he seems heartless. Yet when he sought the Lord in prayer, even when it would be more convenient not to do so, he was better off. 

In 1 Samuel 30:1–6, David returned to the town of Ziklag to find that his two wives along with the wives of his warriors had been captured, and the city had been burned down. The Bible describes the emotional atmosphere that existed: “David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until there was not enough strength in them to weep.”  David’s men were so upset that they considered killing him because they believed that the situation was his fault (1 Sam 30:4, 6). Then the Bible records David's decision, “But David strengthened himself in Yahweh his God” (1 Sam 30:6). This decision changed everything.

In seeking Yahweh, David learned that he would be able to overtake the raiders of Ziklag and recover the captives (1 Sam 30:7–10). En route an amazing thing happened: David and his men showed kindness to a stranger, who responded by showing them where the raiders are camped. David and his men then defeated the raiders and recovered the captives (1 Sam 30:11–20). This is one of God's mysterious works. But could God have worked in mysterious ways if David had allowed either hot emotion or cold logic to rule him? Probably not. His prayer made all the difference.

We overcome the problems we face because God works in us, through His Spirit, when we seek Him in prayer. This is also how we can overcome our weaknesses and become more like Him.

What emotions do you need to overcome through prayer?

What tensions can be resolved through God’s work?