There is this “place” inside of me that seems to
· Hold deep feelings and emotions
· Drives my actions
· Is often restless
Today, science has unlocked how these emotions reside in different parts of our brain, and how those different parts function in governing our body. Not so in biblical times.
In biblical times, when they referred to the heart, they were talking about this place which is the governing center of a person. Here is a great 4-minute video from the Bible Project on the heart.
This idea that I have a deep center to who I am, a center from which my thoughts, words, and actions flow, resonates with me as a person.
While this idea of “a center” is a reality to me as a person, there is another reality:
I have to contend for my heart. Left to my own, the desires and the devices of this world will capture it for ill.
Which is exactly why in Proverbs you and I will so often read about our hearts.
For those more scientifically oriented, whether you identify this as a heart or head problem, the point is the same.
We must contend for our center.
It is a battle. We read in the New Testament of this struggle of “why” I don’t do what I want to do.
Which is why, as we are early in Proverbs, before we get what will be wise counsel about how to live, we first receive counsel that we must work towards this end.
The first verse of chapter 3 reads, “…but let your heart keep my commandments…” and in verse 5 we read, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”.
In fact, over and over, God in His Word will tell us that wise living is a matter of the heart—that our very center must be deeply anchored in God and in His Word.
Consider in this chapter all the admonitions to “do not…”. You find them in verses 1, 11, 21, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31—and if those are not enough—there is a “be not” and “let not” thrown in!
The point?
The point is that we must contend for our center—wise living takes intentionality—we must intentionally order our hearts and minds.
The question is how?
The answer is given in this chapter, in verses 1-8.
3 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
These verses are Good News. They tell us that we simply need to trust God, to lean not on ourselves, to in fact NOT be wise in our own eyes.
In other words, we do not by ourselves, have to come up with all the answers—in fact we merely need to do One Thing—Trust God.
Trusting God = Letting Jesus transform you—your very heart.
When you think about your day, about living it intentionally, what do you each day to invite God in—to intentionally trust Him?