Ezekiel 20:9
“Then I thought better of it. I acted out of who I was, not by how I felt. And I acted in a way that would evoke honor, not blasphemy, from the nations around them, nations who had seen me reveal myself by promising to lead my people out of Egypt.”
“But I didn’t do it, for I acted to protect the honor of my name. I would not allow shame to be brought on my name among the surrounding nations who saw me reveal myself by bringing the Israelites out of Egypt.”
I love the rendering by The Message, God acted out of who he was, not how he felt. As God’s image bearer I too must act out of who I am, his child. Feelings bring angst, but there is rest in acting according to my identity in him and so giving glory to God.
Lord, strengthen me to bear your image well, to act out of my identity in you. May I use and enjoy my feelings but not be ruled by them.