Know Your Heart

David was a man after God’s own heart. I really believe he was because of his humbleness. He was a phenomenal leader with flaws; however, he never allowed his flaws to rule him. He remained open to God and was quick to repent and ask for forgiveness when he was wrong even covering times he wasn’t sure that he had done wrong. We could see in his writings in Psalms as he went to God with praise and worship, he became keenly aware of his shortcomings and who he truly was within was revealed to him in the presence of God. I believe that these weaknesses became strengths when he began to totally rely on God in these areas.

There were times in his life that he asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew the right spirit within him (Psalms 51:10), to try the reins of his heart to see if there be any wicked thing in him (Psalms 26:2), knowing that the Word of God says that the heart is desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). Knowing your heart can be a disturbing thing. Don’t get me wrong, it is definitely a good thing as I appreciate God for giving us the opportunity to know and get it right. But if you are like me, your heart being exposed can reveal some pretty “ugly” things. Remember the true you is what’s in your heart (Proverbs 23:7) and what’s in your heart will manifest itself outward (Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 15:11&18).

My heart has been tested many times even recently. It’s pretty easy to love those that love you but what about those that lie on you, mock you, slander your name and are downright hateful toward you and anything you do or represent for no apparent reason. What about those that told the truth (smile) on you to others with no regards of your feelings? Did or will you retaliate by slandering and lashing out at them? Where you or will you be ready to fight them fist to fist, word for word or blow for blow? How about the times you were made promises that were forgotten and being hurt just chose to stay away from the one that hurt you. When they asked you for assistance, you were hesitant or just refused to assist them. It is in these times, the real you will surface. As a matter of fact, it is the only true test. God has a way of allowing the difficulties or conflicts of life (turning up the “heat”) to show you what lies beneath the surface of your heart. It is never a mystery to God only to us.

Oh yes, there are some hidden things in your heart. Things you may have buried years ago, forgotten but resurface in ways that are inappropriate at inappropriate times. These old issues affect your present and future outcome. They need to be resolved so you can move forward. I have had contact with many that are literally stuck in the past because of unresolved heart issues. Some even dress and talk like they are in that era. It is extremely surreal to experience. Living in the 80s, the phrases they speak reflect the 80s, they wear “throwback” jerseys, may rock a flat-top fade or “Gumby” haircut or even listen to only music from this time.

As we have discussed, difficulties or conflicts of life will come to make you aware of these hidden issues and bring them to the surface. As you are made aware of them, ask God for help in dealing with those that you need to and letting go of those you don’t. For instance, let go of unforgiveness. If you are swift to forgive there is nothing deposited in your heart. Sometimes the fire comes for you to see the motive of your works. Do you have selfish reasons for what you do? Are you quick tempered, fast to speak things you are sorry for later? Do you need an attitude adjustment? Do you want to receive grace and mercy and don’t give it?

Whatever the case may be, let the fire purify you. God knows how much you can bear and most often take it in stages for just this reason. Trust His timing and method. Be assured He knows and only wants the best for you.