"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."

I’d like to start by defining what the Bible means by the word “heart.” In the King James Version of the Bible, the heart is mentioned 826 times. That’s a lot of times!!! I think it’s obvious that we aren’t talking about an organ that pumps blood. The heart symbolizes the spiritual part of us, where our emotions and desires dwell. The heart is where decisions, feelings, and desires come from. This impacts your thoughts, actions, and even words. “And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, Why are you thinking evil things in your hearts?” Matthew 9:4

In order to be saved a person’s heart must be changed by the power of God, by faith. The heart must be changed from satan’s control to a relationship with Jesus Christ. God asks us to give Him our hearts. He gives us the gift of free will, to choose Him (all that is good) or evil. This is because he wants what is best for his children. When you choose to give up your own sinful desires God purifies your heart. “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 73:26

You might be asking yourself: “How do I tell if God is working in my heart?” This is a good question to ask yourself. Sometimes it’s not always clear because we stumble. It’s ok to fall but to fall over and over, without repentance, is where danger lurks. When you repeatedly sin without repentance your heart closes itself to God. When we fall and repent God is quick to forgive. “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:10. Santification is the process of becoming more Christ-like. New believers are immature in wisdom and knowledge. This is why they are called baby Christians. With time you should be able to look back and see growth in yourself. Your actions and words are a result of what is in your heart, so these will change as well. You will become content with the place God has you. If God has your heart, duty for him will be a delight. The heart should not be weighed down with the cares of this world. “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things of this world.” Colossians 3:2. Lastly, I will say, many Christians are guilty of hand or head Christianity. This is where they do good deeds or they seek knowledge but do not give God their hearts. Learning God’s word is essential and doing good deeds for the Lord glorifies Him, but your heart must always be in the right place. Your relationship with God must come first!!

So, are you loving God with all your heart? God’s word can only be understood correctly with a right heart. Just like the body with exercise, set aside time in your day for your heart. By doing so you will help guard your heart. The importance of guarding your heart is brought up several times in scripture. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23. All of your life comes from your heart so do your best to keep your heart pure. Shut out all that is opposed to God’s “ideals” to guard your heart. Make a diligent effort to be in the word. Put into practice what your learn from it. Own your sins and confess them to Jesus, and always praise Him with a thankful heart. “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell you of my wonderful deeds.” Psalms 9:1.  

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Mathew 5:8.