Search me, O God, and know my heart... - Psalm 139:23
Hello friend and welcome to my first post in the year 2022!
This year more than ever, my desire is to grow more in Christ so that the world will see Him in me. But in order for this to happen, it starts with my heart; thus the title for today's post "The Right Heart Posture"
Today's devotional is a short one, but I pray that the message stays with you and me throughout the entire year.
Psalm 51 :10-17 states: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." [KJV]
While there is nothing wrong with New Year's goals and resolutions, the issue I find is a lot of people skip the first step; which involves a getting your heart in the right posture. What do I mean by this?
Simply put, a heart that is impure or not wholly submitted to God will not be in a position to receive what God has much less hear from Him or to obey His instructions. Please understand that I do believe that goals and resolutions are very important as well, but without the right frame of mind, or the right heart intentions, it will be difficult to achieve the specific things God has for you.
Like the Psalmist David, my desire [and I pray this for you as well] is that your heart posture will align with that of Christ. When it is, you will desire God's presence; and true joy will be found in your heart. Not only this, but others including unbelievers will take notice of the transformative power of Jesus in your life and you in turn will be able to share the testimony of what the Lord has done in your life.
You see, work-based salvation won't get you into heaven. No amount of acting or dressing and pretending to be a Christian will get you there either. For years, I believed teachings that only emphasized that salvation is based on your works and outward appearance. And sadly there are others that rely on their good deeds as well. But truth is, none of that is enough.
As I grow deeper in my faith, I believe that the only thing God wants from us is - a broken and contrite heart (the right heart posture). One that despise evil and wickedness; and instead seeks holiness and godliness. One that doesn't deceive or plots with evil intentions; but seeks truth, love and forgiveness. Honestly, I believe when your heart is right, everything else will be right.
Conclusion
As this post comes to an end, I pray that the little message from it, doesn't. What does your heart look like? Is it one that is desiring Christ; or only seeking riches and fame?
Goals and resolutions are important, but someday only the things that are done for Christ will last. What deposits are you going to place into your heavenly bank account this year?
I encourage you to start today by searching your heart. In fact, take some time right now. Yes right now... What things do you need to change? This year can become the greatest or worse, the choice is up to you and it starts with your heart.
Challenge
Meditate on the entire chapter of Psalm 139
You are loved,
GB
Image credit: Wix
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