Examining Your Own Heart

“… God wants you to understand what (is) in your heart.”

Daniel 2:30 (NLT)

When is the last time you did a heart check-up? The Bible often refers to our hearts as the center of our emotions, thoughts and actions. Jesus said, “… whatever is in your heart determines what you say.” Matthew 12:34 (NLT) In Proverbs, the Bible says, “… as (a man) thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7a (NKJV) 

So, if you really want to know what’s in your heart, listen to what you say and consider for a moment what you’re thinking? It’s important to do a heart check-up, because heart disease is so imperceptible until the damage is often done. Without even noticing, our hearts can deceive us and begin to drift. Jesus addressed the heart problem a church in Ephesus had in Revelation 2. He said that despite all their outward religious actions, they were losing their first love. Their hearts were drifting from the passion in their personal relationship with Christ. Intimacy was waning and if corrective actions weren’t taken soon, it wouldn’t be long before they would lose their light. That can happen in a marriage as well.

So often, I’ve heard people say or do things and then comment that they didn’t know what got into them. “That’s really not me!” The fact is whatever is inside of us is what comes out when the pressure is on. You never get mustard out of a tube of toothpaste. Jeremiah tells us “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? ‘I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind….’” Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NIV) Only God knows our hearts. We cannot understand totally what’s in our hearts apart from Him. This was the case for a King that Daniel served. His heart was troubled by a dream. The dream was so disturbing that he couldn’t sleep. God revealed to Daniel the mystery of the King’s dream. Daniel told the King, “He who reveals secrets has shown you what is going to happen. And it is not because I am wiser than anyone else that I know the secret of your dream, but because God wants you to know what was in your heart.” Daniel 2:29b-30 (NLT)

God wants you to know what is in your heart as well. If your heart is troubled, God may be speaking to you. According to 1 Peter 3:15, the quickest way to experience peace is to set Christ apart as Lord in our hearts. Have you ever done that? You can right now. From your own heart set Christ apart as Lord in your life. Release your life to His care and control. When you do, the Bible says, “Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him.” Ephesians 3:17a (NLT) You’ll experience a peace that passes understanding and your roots will grow down deep in God’s love and keep you strong in your faith and relationships. Don’t let your own heart deceive you. Take time today for a heart check-up. Let Christ examine your heart and set Him apart as Lord in your heart.

---

To read this devotional online or catch up on past ones, visit kerryshook.org/blog.

As you continue your quiet time, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected to God and the family of Christ. The Woodlands Church Prayer Board offers a simple space to lift others in prayer and let them know you are standing with them. You can also share your own request and receive prayer support whenever you need it.

Another way to grow in your faith is through giving. This season, we’re celebrating how God is moving in the next generation by placing a Bible in the hands of every student connected to Kerry Shook Ministries. Help us reach the next generation, click here: Be Part of Growing Faith That Endures.