Matters of the Heart - Karen Pourbabaee
“Watch over your heart with all diligence. For from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23 NAS
The word heart occurs nearly 1000 times in Scripture, almost never being used in the literal sense. It’s generally regarded as being the seat of the intellect, feelings, and will, and signifies the innermost core of our being, what many call the soul. We have a heart because God does, and we are created in His image: “I have found David… a man after my own heart.” (Acts 13:22 NAB)
God searches the hearts He has created. (Jeremiah 17:10) Jeremiah adds that God tests our hearts and rewards us according to the merit of our deeds. Our hearts are more important than our actions in His eyes. God also knows all the secrets of our heart (Psalms 44:22); despite intimately knowing our sometimes sinful hearts, God wants to give us a new one! Pray as David did: “A clean heart create for me, O God, renew in me a steadfast spirit.” (Psalms 51:12)
Our heart, made in His image, is our greatest treasure, for from it our very life flows. It sets the direction of our life. How can we honor God for the gift of our heart?
Seek God with it: “Happy those… who seek the Lord with all their heart.” (Psalms 119:2) Seek Him and set your heart right with the Lord first—that’s where your happiness and your true destiny lies. Then, seek Him daily!
Watch over it: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23 NLT) We are charged to guard or watch diligently over our hearts—for a lifetime! Diligence means a constant, careful effort; perseverance. We have to be in it for the long haul.
Our hearts were meant to lead us into eternal life, all the way to heaven’s gate. Take care of your heart with diligence and you will live the amazing life that God has planned for you on earth, even as you are heaven-bound. Amen.
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