Overthinking. How to discern convictions & feelings, hearing God, choosing what to do
Q: How do you react to something you have mixed feelings about? Just generally speaking? I hear it all the time that we should follow our convictions as it is most likely God talking to us through the Holy Spirit. But my problem is I overthink everything, I can see good and bad in most things. How can I figure out the difference between a conviction, me leaning on my own understanding, or the devil trying to hold me back, but in a “reverse psychology” kind of way? I fear being awoken and being shut out because I wasn’t able to recognise the direct voice of the Lord.
An example I can think of (please dont focus on this too much, its just one random example of many others) is I like to play music out loud (not THAT loud, but loud enough for me to hear it and anyone else that walks past me) while Im walking around the park. I get one thought that sort of says I shouldn’t be doing that, we are told to worship privately behind closed doors, or that Im just doing it for show (although I dont THINK I am, I love the music). I get another thought telling me that its a good thing, that I am spreading a positive message about God and His love, through song. How do you know which is conviction?? I cant tell if its God telling me I shouldn’t be doing something, or if the devil is falsely using Scripture to silence my music when we should be spreading the Word in any way we can. Or in reverse, if God is correcting me with the thought that we shouldn’t be silent about the Good News; or if the devil is trying to get me to ignore God’s conviction to turn it off? I dont know if this makes any sense to anyone.
I also feel really awful for not recognising and confusing whether something is of God or from the enemy, because how can I confuse perfect news from God to be potentially from the enemy and vice versa?
Any advice would really be appreciated. I pray that God speaks to me through this.
A: Your answer is to take on the mind of Christ. The more you take on the mind of Christ the better you understand His will for your life. Strengthen your relationship with Him and ask Him to change your MIND, based on biblical truths.
I think it's important to correct the idea that convictions are thoughts that run through our minds and are most likely from God. That's not really accurate and will lead to this sort of confusion and doubt. Conviction from The Holy Spirit will always be based on Scripture, and will stand on The Word for it's foundation. It has nothing to do with feelings. Scripture tells us not to be led by feelings because they are easily manipulated and can't be trusted as truth. If your thoughts are rooted in feelings - insecurities, anxiety, doubt, fear, excitement, etc - that isn't conviction, it's your own understanding based on your flesh and feelings, which need to be conquered and corrected. It takes time to learn to see your feelings as suggestions and reject what doesn't honor Him. That's part of what scripture talks about in discernmrnt & taking our thoughts captive and making them obedient to God.
The main thing to work through, is learning to take doubts back to Him. The enemy whispers in our ears but doesn't hear thoughts or internal prayers or talks with God. So, in those moments, stop everything and ask Him for clarification. He is not the author of confusion, He wants you to be confident and assured in Him so He will clarify for you.
With that said, Most people would be annoyed with the music regardless the type, as earbuds exist and folk have a right to peaceful enjoyment. Our apt neighbors and ones across, (and another bldg over), blast music all the time snd drives us nuts. We used to have some annoying penticostals next door purposrly leaving left door open, talked loud at their regular Bible study (at table by the door), who sang and clapped loudly and it was super annoying. Was happy when they moved out. Unsaved folk would be happier. Don't do things thdt damage the witness. That's best advice.
If you want to share Jesus, hand out tracts and actively talk to folk.
These can help too. 😊✨️
Conquering Emotions & other sins can be found here. Its great to go through each one as a study.
God bless
