With Valentines day being around the corner I figured this to be a good time to talk about the heart. Specifically, the state of our own heart. Not physically, but spiritually.
Sometimes I find that the things in my heart contradict with Gods word. Sometimes it’s obvious and other times I have to ask God to reveal what’s in my heart (and when I ask, He surely answers me).
So I ask you, is Gods word hidden in your heart? Or, is unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, anger, jealousy, and/or selfishness plaguing your heart.
It’s important to understand and reflect on the state of your heart. Because…
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.”
Proverbs 27: 19 (NIV)
And we have been called to live a life holy and pleasing to God.
“So I, the prisoner for the Lord, appeal to you to live a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called [that is, to live a life that exhibits godly character, moral courage, personal integrity, and mature behavior–a life that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation], with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another in [unselfish] love.”
Ephesians 4:1-2 (AMP)
I personally have and struggle with the above heart conditions. And the biggest mistake that I make, when I don’t like what I see, is to try to change it in my own strength. I have to continuously remind myself and ask God for strength and guidance when it comes to these. It’s never easy but getting to the root is important. Uprooting them makes space for Gods Spirit, the Holy Spirit to fill you.
So be forgiving, kindhearted, humble, and long-suffering. As many times as you need make your request known to God and immediately process those states where your heart doesn’t glorify God. Don’t allow them to fester and grow.
Prayer:
Father God your word says ““Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”
(Matthew 18:19 AMP). God we come in agreement for freedom. That God wherever we are in our walk with You that You will transform our hearts. That You will give us a heart of flesh. One with the same desires as Yours. Father God renew our hearts. We thank you for your undeserved grace and we ask that this same grace will be stored in our hearts. This grace will be given freely to others as you have freely given us. That any unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, and deceitful desires of our heart will not withhold Your forgiveness. Lord we ask for continual transformation of our hearts and Your will to be done. That our hearts, and thus our lives, will bring glory to You. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.
