The danger when emotions speak louder than words


So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honour me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” – Number 20:9-11

 

There are moments in life when the loudest voice in the room isn’t God’s instruction or the enemy’s opposition, but our own emotions.

 

The Christian journey is not a one-time decision; it is a daily surrender. Jesus said, “Take up your cross daily and follow Me.” That means choosing obedience repeatedly, even when tired, frustrated, or emotionally drained. Walking in the Spirit is not automatic, it is intentional.

 

Maturity is a process, not a title

 

Moses was not a spiritual beginner. He had walked with God for decades, witnessed miracles, confronted kings, and carried immense responsibility. Yet spiritual longevity does not equal spiritual perfection. Being a seasoned believer does not exempt us from growth. The goal of the Christian life is not to reach a point where mistakes stop, it is to become more like Christ every day. Growth requires humility, self-control, and a willingness to let God shape not just our actions, but our reactions.

 

When emotions interrupt obedience

 

In Numbers 20, God gave Moses a clear instruction: speak to the rock. But exhaustion and frustration took over. Moses struck the rock instead. Water still came, but obedience was incomplete. This moment reminds us of a sobering truth: obedience matters more than outcomes. God is not only interested in what gets done, but how it gets done. Results do not automatically mean approval.

 

Scripture tells us that God’s gifts are irrevocable. He is faithful even when we falter. Blessings may still flow, opportunities may still open, and success may still follow. But those things are not reliable indicators of our spiritual health. 

 

There is a daily tug-of-war within every believer, a quiet but real struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Even as we grow in faith, this battle does not disappear. Our emotions, habits, and natural instincts often pull us in one direction, while the Spirit gently leads us in another. Maturity is not about never feeling that tension; it is about learning to yield to the Spirit when the tension comes. We overcome the flesh not by striving harder, but by surrendering deeper, bringing our emotions to God in prayer, allowing His Word to steady us, and choosing obedience even when it feels uncomfortable. Over time, the Spirit softens our reactions, strengthens our discernment, and shapes us to respond more like Christ.

 

The cost of unchecked emotion

 

Unchecked emotions can quietly derail destiny. Moses wasn’t defeated by Pharaoh or delayed by the wilderness, he was hindered by a moment where emotion overruled instruction. God was inviting Moses into a deeper level of leadership. Striking represented old methods, force, habit, reaction. Speaking represented trust, restraint, and mature authority. Sometimes God isn’t asking us to try harder; He’s asking us to respond differently.

 

Grace has the final word

 

Yet, the story does not end with denial. Although Moses did not enter the Promised Land in the Old Testament, he did stand in it later, on the Mount of Transfiguration, alongside Jesus and Elijah. What discipline restricted, grace ultimately restored.

 

This is the hope of the gospel: God’s mercy shines brighter than our failures. While disobedience may bring consequences, grace ensures that our story is never over. God is not finished shaping us, redeeming us, or fulfilling His purposes.

 

When emotions speak louder than God’s Word, direction becomes distorted. But when obedience leads, even quietly, even imperfectly, destiny remains alive. God is not just forming people who can produce results. He is forming hearts that can follow His voice,
even when emotions are shouting louder than truth.

 

Grace still conquers all.

 

Reflection 

 

  1. What emotions most often compete with God’s voice in my life (frustration, fear, impatience, exhaustion)?
  2. Have there been moments when I focused more on results than on obedience? What did that reveal about my heart?
  3. In what areas might God be asking me to move from “striking” to “speaking”, from reacting to responding in faith?
  4. What daily practices help me take up my cross and walk in the Spirit consistently?

 

Prayer

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your patience and mercy toward me. Forgive me for the times when my emotions have spoken louder than Your Word. Teach me to slow down, to listen, and to obey, especially when I am tired or overwhelmed. Help me to walk in the Spirit daily, not relying on past victories or visible results, but on a humble and faithful relationship with You. Guard my heart from frustration that leads to disobedience, and shape my character to reflect Christ more each day.

 

Thank You that Your grace is greater than my mistakes and that You are not finished with me. Give me the strength to take up my cross daily and the wisdom to follow Your voice above all others.

 

In Jesus’ name,


Amen

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