Devotionals

What Kind of Heart Does God Desire?

By novia collis · February 10, 2019 · 4 min read

Children usually find it hard to hold back bursts of joy. Their laughter is so free when they play or discover something funny. On the other hand, adults generally struggle to have a joyful heart. We feel the burdens and struggles of life are too heavy, so we forget to give thanks and rejoice. Let alone laugh, we often even forget to smile.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22

Research has proven that a joyful heart is a powerful remedy for overcoming stress, strengthening the immune system, and extending life. Most importantly, the verse above shows that joy is not governed by circumstances, but by the heart. It is the heart that must be controlled, not the situation. And God wants us to guard this one part with things that are good and true.

Why is the heart important?

But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man sees; man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." – 1 Samuel 16:7

Open the Bible, and you will find the word "heart" so many times. Why is God interested in the human heart? Because that is the part we cannot hide from Him. We may be able to deceive people with our appearance or words, but God knows the depths of every person's heart.

Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. – Proverbs 4:23

A person with a good heart will radiate goodness in life. Sincerity will also lead to what is good. So that negative things do not eat away at our hearts, stay watchful through prayer and the strength of God's Word. Those who continually guard their hearts will have the strength to go through life's difficult seasons.

Characteristics of the Heart God Desires

1. Putting God First

“My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.” – Proverbs 23:26

There are people who are reluctant to surrender their hearts to God for countless reasons. Busy with work, the community is not enjoyable, the rules of the Word feel too restrictive, and so on. Yet God has promised that when we put Him first in every aspect of life, we will be made glad by the path God chooses for us.

2. Pouring Out What Is Good

“But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and that is what defiles a person.” – Matthew 15:18

With the same mouth, we can curse people or praise God. So be careful in what you say, because from that people can see who we are.

Reflect on this, are the words we speak today good and true? Does the quality of our speech already reflect the heart of a follower of Christ?

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

3. Free from Envy

“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30

Envy is an invisible evil, because only God and the person concerned know what is in the heart. Stop being envious, because it is the same as destroying yourself and it will not bring joy into your life.

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every kind of evil practice.” – James 3:16

It is indeed not easy to accept the situation when we see others achieving success or seeming more blessed. However, keep giving thanks for what you have. Count your blessings every day, and do these three things to get rid of envy.

“… and delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4

4. The Plans of My Heart, the Plans of God

“Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” – Proverbs 14:30

Perhaps we have already made many plans for a year, even for several years ahead. Finishing a thesis, finding a job, starting a business, taking a vacation, continuing studies, getting married, paying for a house in installments, and so on. Our plans are so detailed that we forget that God is the One who holds control of this life.

There is nothing wrong with having plans, but how much better it is if we involve God in them. Believe this, His plan for us is what leads to peace.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for peace and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Let us continually direct our hearts to God. Guard our hearts from all defilement, and rejoice, because we believe that God's plan is always the best. Amen.

* Church GKDI is currently in 35 cities. We have Bible Study activities in every area; if you need information or would like to get involved, contact us at contact Church GKDI Official: WhatsApp 0821 2285 8686 or Facebook / Instagram GKDI Official