Feel

A couple of weeks ago I went to my mailbox and received a pleasant surprise - a book in the mail! The book, called "Feel" is written by Mathew Elliot. I wasn't familiar with the book, nor the author but on the jacket were recommendations from men I highly respect such as professor Steve Brown and author Randy Alcorn. Now my curiosity was peeked. But as I began to read this book, my initial curiosity was replaced with excitement and enthusiasm.

Why was I excited? Because this book couldn't have come at a more timely moment in my life. This past year God has been doing a fresh work on my heart. And although I don't have the capacity to share all that God has done, suffice it say - I have allowed God to do some renovation work and open my heart and as a result learning how to feel in new ways.

That is the premise of this book - the power of listening to one's heart. In the book, Elliot unpacks the modern church's penchant which teaches us to suppress our emotions and to distrust feelings.

In "Feel", Elliot encourages us to get in touch with our emotional side, by using various Biblical examples. Elliot says it is difficult, if not impossible to "have life, and to have it more abundantly" if we simply keep all our emotions hidden.

This quote from A.W. Tozer used by Elliot, communicates the power and importance of the heart and feelings.

But many spiritual leaders through the centuries got it right. We need to recapture some of the truths they taught. In the words of A.W. Tozer, 'A state of emotion always comes between the knowledge and the act...God intended that truth should move us to moral action. The mind receives ideas, mental pictures of things as they are. These excite the feelings and these in turn move the will to act in accordance with the truth...But be sure that human feelings can never be completely stifled. If they are forbidden their normal course, like a river they will cut another channel through the life and flow out to curse and ruin and destroy.'

One cool addition in Elliot's book are the "Blog" comments and real life testimonies at the end of each chapter. That feature gives the book an interactive feel and personal touch.

Besides having read Jonathan Edwards' classic book, "Religious Affections", I haven't come across many, if any, books that have been willing to address this subject in such a comprehensive and honest way.

"Feel" is definitely worth the read and a worthwhile investment in your spiritual journey. You can order the book HERE.

Also, you will definitely want to visit his website at FaithfulFeelings.

At his website, Mathew has provided a very helpful study guide that you can download for small groups and for personal study.

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