Your Heart Matters

“For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).

To stop trees going wild, we usually keep them under control by regular pruning. Cutting back a tree by shortening the side branches will make it look good and attractive. However, it’s only a matter of time before those wild branches ‘revisit’ the tree. Sometimes we tend to be like this with real life issues that need confronting. We can try cutting the ‘branches’ so that things look good on the out side but we may be able to fool people on the outside, but on the inside we can’t fool God. The Lord doesn’t play along with our religious appearances; He is looking for a truthful heart. (John 4:24).

David is a good example and a hope for us no matter how far we are away from God in that secret place of our hearts. David committed adultery and murder. (2 Samuel Chapter 11) But because he repented, and got his heart right,  God forgave him and showed him mercy. Today, David is a recognized as “A man after God’s heart.” Needless to say, “Our heart is the breeding ground for life issues.” (Proverbs 4:23) The same Proverbs also says,  ‘As a man thinks in his heart he will eventually become.’  (Proverbs 23:7). The contents of our hearts will decide the harvest that will result from our lives. God can see deep hidden things that no one else can see, but if we come to him with a repentant and truthful heart, He will show us His mercy not judgement. He will forgive, heal and restore us.

Prayer Confession: Heavenly Father, thank you,that there is power in the Blood of Jesus to wash away my sins if I turn in repentance and ask for your forgiveness. I humble myself before you, I acknowledge my sins and ask for your mercy and forgiveness. Blot out my sins, cleanse me from my secret sins and renew in me a truthful heart. Lord open my eyes to ways in me that are not pleasing to you and grant me the grace to turn from them. Thank you that you are faithful and just to forgive all unrighteousness when we ask in Jesus name. By faith I receive your forgiveness  and I shut the door against every accusation from the devil. Thank you Lord that you have not only forgiven me, but that you heal and restore back to me everything the enemy has stolen because of my disobedience to you. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Reflection: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me." (Psalm 51:10).