Jeremiah 17:9 KJV – ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?……
What goes on in the human heart every minute is at times unpredictable and too fluctuating to make life changing decisions.
As a bible believing Christian who recognizes that we live in a carnal world, I have realized that my heart can be deceptive. However, the Word of God is quick, and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). The Psalmist understood how his heart could be tricky and prayed for God who is able to scrutinize his path and lying down, is also intimately acquainted with all his ways (Psalm 139:3).
So next time when you get the popular advice to do what your heart is telling you, pause, wait and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight the Word of God so that it will shine into your heart. Then you will be able to discern your intent and motive and you will be given the strength to bend your will in alignment with God’s Word and His will concerning the situation.
Make it a daily habit to keep yourself pure and don’t conform to the patterns of this world. Renew your mind daily by God’s word and prayer. This way, you will be able to discern what is the good, acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)
PRAYER: Lord you know my thoughts and my heart. Help me to follow You and Your word in my daily choices and decisions, rather than trust in my own understanding. In Jesus’ name, Amen.