How can I keep from letting my feelings overpower my faith? When I feel good emotionally, I have a strong faith in God, but when I get down it seems to vanish and I even wonder if God has abandoned me. Can I do anything about this? — T.C.

Most believers have experienced ups and downs in their faith, and often these cycles are connected to the way we feel—in other words, to our emotions.

This has happened to some of God's most dedicated servants, including some in the Bible. During one dark time in his life, when his emotions got the best of him, Jeremiah cried out, "Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?" (Jeremiah 20:18). In the midst of his despair, Job cried out, "I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free reign to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul" (Job 10:1).

But neither Jeremiah nor Job stayed this way, and both went on to have an even stronger faith. And that can be your experience also. What can you do? First, make sure of your commitment to Christ. If your faith in God is only a vague belief, it will not stand. But if your faith is in Christ, you have a solid foundation beneath you that will never crumble. Give your life to Him today.

Then base your faith on facts, not on feeling. Base it on the fact that God loves you, on Christ's death and resurrection for you, and on God's promises in His Word, the Bible. Make the Bible your daily companion and your faith will grow stronger.