Question: head, heart, or both?

[fieldmouse3]

I wasn't sure whether to put this here or in the fellowship court, but since this is somewhat advice related, I figured I'd put it here!
Here's what I'm wondering: does God speak to your head, heart, or both? Often, when I'm facing a problem or situation that's particularly tough, or it's something I'm emotionally involved in, I find myself getting two very different answers. For instance, I've felt in my heart that something is right, and it's where God wants me to go, or what He wants me to do. I have a fairly strong sense of peace when I pray and think on that particular solution. On the other hand, at the same time, I have all sorts of doubts and/or worries about that very solution floating around in my head (the solution doesn't make sense, probably isn't what God wants, maybe I tricked myself into thinking it was because it's what I want, ect). I don't know which "voice" is God's, and therefore the one I should be listening to.
So...head, heart, or should both be in total agreement for something to be right and from God?

 

[ZiSunka]

Any solution to any problem which goes against what the Bible teaches, is wrong, whether it came from your head, your heart, or a message from outer space . I have found that my heart will tell me one thing, but my head and the Bible tell me another thing. No matter what part of my body speaks, if I know the answer is unethical, harmful, destructive, or against the teachings of God, it cannot be the right answer, even if I "feel peace" about it.

I know a woman, a friend of mine, who felt "a peace" about having an affair with a married man. Since she felt peace and joy, she said she knew it was God's will. Even though the Bible completely contradicts her "feeling," she rationalized that the feelings made it okay.

The best thing to do is see what the Bible says about the subject, get the advice of godly people, and do what you know is right, even if it doesn't feel good.

 

[fieldmouse3]

So...if the Bible doesn't have anything to say against the matter at hand...what then? I guess my REAL question is: how do I know when something (a thought, feeling, ect.) is from God? I thought I was getting much better at knowing, but lately I've been in doubt.

 

[Blessed-one]

Originally posted by lambslove
The best thing to do is see what the Bible says about the subject, get the advice of godly people, and do what you know is right, even if it doesn't feel good.

i agree, but sometimes things aren't so black and white... unfortunately. Another help would be prayers and time. Give yourself some time to think and pray about it, then maybe God would give you signs and hints along the way to help. Even if you made the wrong choice and had to walk a longer road, the mistake itself would help you in making the right choice in the next round... so.... that's life.

 

[debs]

......and remember, youre in the school of the Holy Spirirt. It will come easier as you commune with Him and He teaches you whats him. whats not.

 

[GraftMeIn]

That's a good question!
I feel that God places things in our hearts, but he speaks to our minds also. Sometimes it helps to clear our minds and just pray, God has a way of clearing up our confusion and showing us what he wants. and sometimes the answer isn't revealed to us untill the time is right, and that is in his time, and not our own.

 

[fieldmouse3]

Hmmm...clearing my mind can be easier said than done at times. There's a lot going on in there!
I really appreciate all the responses I've gotten so far. I know people who are confused by this topic as well, so I'll pass along whatever information I get here!

 

[ZiSunka]

Originally posted by fieldmouse3
So...if the Bible doesn't have anything to say against the matter at hand...what then? I guess my REAL question is: how do I know when something (a thought, feeling, ect.) is from God? I thought I was getting much better at knowing, but lately I've been in doubt.

Feelings are often just chemical reactions going on in your body.  You can't really trust them to steer you in the right direction.

You have to learn the "sound" of the Holy Spirit's voice by experience.  I really do get kind of an icky feeling when satan is talking to me, underneath everything else.  But the HS doesn't really give me a "feeling" when he speaks to me.  It's more definite than that.  He doesn't egg you on to do something, He TELLS you.  Just comes out and says it.  Doesn't waste time on making you feel something.

Rich Mullins has this song kind of about this experience. It goes:

They said, "Boy you just follow your heart, but my heart just lead me into my chest."

They said, "Boy you just follow your nose," but the direction changed every time I turned my head.

They said, "Boy you just follow your dreams," but my dreams were only mixed emotions.

But the Father of Hearts and the Maker of Noses, the Giver of Dreams, He's the one that I've chosen and I will follow Him.

I love this song, because it reminds me that feelings don't amount to much compared to the reality of living in the prescence of God.

 

[Mr.Cheese]

I think this is one of those lessons you have to learn on your own.
But this might help: which decision will bring you closer to God, ultimately?

I don't miss being your age for this reason.
I'm still praying for you mouse!
*hug*

 

[fieldmouse3]

Hmmmm...I'm starting to think you're right, Cheese.
I'm getting all sorts of different answers to this particular question, and they all seem to boil down to one thing: I've gotta trust God, and let Him tell me things in His own way.