Skip to main content

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?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hearing and doing I'm amazed at how easy it becomes to nod our heads at all the right places after serving God for a while. We are quick to agree when someone speaks to us about God's Word (given that it is sound doctrine of course), without asking ourselves if it is merely theory to us. The fact of the matter is that most of us believe what the Bible teaches with all our hearts. How is it then that we so easily fall into the trap of knowing but not applying? Hearing but not doing? How do we keep ourselves from thinking we know it all but hold on to a zeal for God's Word that leads to obedience? It is relatively easy to read the 'thou shalt not' passages, to apply it and to tap ourselves on the shoulder thinking we did well! Of course we are doing well if we abstain from all the things we know is bad for us - sinful behaviors, unhealthy attitudes, etc. - but I do think there is more to living a life of abundance and victory! There are many pas...
Post a Comment
Read more
During the month of May we want to focus on "The Family" because we simply believe that God is the originator of the family and continues to uphold it. The traditional family is under attack. Television programs portray fathers stupid, mothers as overbearing, and children as smart beyond their years.   The biblical ideal, established at the beginning of humanity, is for one man and one woman to join in a spiritually and physically committed union for a lifetime, conceiving and rearing children ( Genesis 1:27–28 ; 2:18 , 21–25 ). Although this model wasn't followed consistently throughout the Scriptures.   Today, single parents, married couples without children, grandparents rearing their grandchildren, and empty-nesters etc., make up a considerable percentage of "Christian" families.   Yet a Christian family can be a group of people who are related to each other and are committed to the person and work of Jesus Christ. We can experience the love, powe...
Post a Comment
Read more
Hi all  Easter is a time for celebration for Christian believers across the world. It commemorates the most amazing event all of history – the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. This is the most amazing miracle of all time. No others can compare with it. The resurrection of Jesus Christ declares his victory over death and evil. It is the beginning of a new life, a new kind of life, a life beyond the grave. With the resurrection of Jesus Christ a new era dawned for mankind. The New Testament states that the same body of Jesus Christ that was buried was raised on the third day to a glorified state. This happened to fulfil the Scriptures. Christ’s resurrection is evidence of his deity; proves his victory over death and the Powers of darkness; gives us a living hope and assurance of God’s acceptance; and is the foundation for our eventual resurrection. There is a day coming when Christians will also rise from the dead and receive a glorified body like Christ’s. In fact, whe...
Post a Comment
Read more