The Christian Phrases We Use to Avoid the Hard Work of Faith
We’ve all said it. Someone asks why you turned down the job, ended the relationship, or passed on the opportunity. With spiritual certainty, you reply: “I just didn’t have peace about it.”
It sounds holy. It sounds final. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: that phrase is not a biblical formula for decision-making.
Biblical peace isn’t an emotional green light you wait for before you act. Scripture describes it as a guardrail after you’ve prayed and trusted. As Philippians 4:7 says, it’s “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,” that guards your heart—not a feeling that makes your choices for you.
When we use “I didn’t have peace” as a spiritual escape hatch, we often avoid the harder, holier work of seeking wisdom, studying Scripture, and listening to wise counsel. We confuse fear with divine guidance.
Think about it: Moses wasn’t feeling peaceful at the burning bush. Esther didn’t have peace before approaching the king. Yet they obeyed, because true faith often moves ahead despite our feelings.
The same goes for other well-worn phrases like “God closed the door.” While it’s comforting to wrap our setbacks in divine sovereignty, sometimes a closed door is just a consequence, not a sign. Not every “no” is from God—sometimes it’s life in a broken world, or even our own avoidance. Proverbs 3:5-6 doesn’t say, “Wait for a peaceful feeling,” but rather, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Our part is active trust and obedience, not passive interpretation of feelings or circumstances.
And what about “I felt led”? This phrase can subtly elevate our personal impressions to the level of divine command, shutting down accountability. God’s primary way of leading us isn’t through vague internal nudges, but through the clear truth of His Word, confirmed by the wisdom of His people.
Let’s commit to a faith that’s more robust than clichés. One that embraces:
· Wisdom over feelings: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22)
· Obedience over comfort: Following God’s clear commands, even when it’s terrifying.
· Honesty over spiritualized excuses: Having the courage to say, “I was afraid,” or “I need more counsel,” instead of hiding behind spiritual-sounding language.
Our feelings are fickle, but God’s Word is firm. Let’s build our lives—and our decisions—on that solid rock, not on the shifting sand of emotional Christian catchphrases.
What’s a common phrase you’ve reexamined in your faith journey? Share in the comments below.
