When Valentine’s Day is promoted, images of hearts are normally included. We automatically connect love with the image of the heart. What comes to your mind when I say, “The heart of God?” What images or memories immediately come before you?
Know that when I make references to the heart biblically, it is a much broader meaning than what we naturally think today. I am definitely not speaking of a physical heart. Here are some partial definitions from some bible dictionaries:
• The “heart” signifies the total inner self, a person’s hidden core of being (1 Pt 3:4), with which one communes, which one “pours out” in prayer, words, and deeds (Ps 62:8; Mt 15:18–19). It is the genuine self, distinguished from appearance, public position, and physical presence (1 Sam. 16:7; 2 Cor 5:12; 1 Thes 2:17) Tyndale Bible dictionary
• The “heart” is regarded as the seat of emotions. The seat of desire, inclination, or will can be indicated by “heart.” The “heart” stands for the inner being of man, the man himself. As such, it is the fountain of all he does (Prov. 4:4). All his thoughts, desires, words, and actions flow from deep within him. The “heart” could be regarded as the seat of knowledge and wisdom and as a synonym of “mind.” This meaning often occurs when “heart” appears with the verb “to know”: “Thus you are to know in your heart …” (Deut. 8:5, NASB) Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words
What are God’s actions regarding our hearts? God…
- • Knows (Ps. 44:21)
• Searches (1 Chr. 28:9)
• Enlightens (2 Cor. 4:6)
• Opens (Acts. 16:14)
• Recreates (Ezek. 11:19)
• Tests (Jer. 12:3)
• Strengthens (Ps. 27:14)
• Establishes (1 Thes. 3:13)
What should our actions be regarding knowing His heart? We should…
• Be still (Ps. 46:10)
• Be empty (Psalm 10:4)
• Be a seeker (Prov. 8:17)
• Be praying (Eph. 3:14-19)
• Be submissive (James 4:7-8)
• Be filled with His Word (Ps. 119:89-93)
• Be humble (Jer. 9:23-24)
• Be obedient (1 John 2:4)
• Be watchful of Jesus (Col. 1:15/John 10:30)
If we would practice just these things mentioned above, we would have a better understanding of God’s heart. (I trust you read the Scriptures.) Thank God that He has made it possible for us to know His heart to some extent with our finite minds. With any relationship, to know a person’s heart, you must spend personal time with that individual. The same is true of God. The more time you spend, the deeper your intimacy will be with Him. The deeper your intimacy is with Him, the easier it will be to trust Him and live your life abandoned to His will, purpose, and desires. Why not be intentional this Valentine’s Day to seek to know God’s heart to a greater degree? I hope you will.
Paula is compassionately committed to biblically teach and mentor women who desire to be renewed in their minds by God’s eternal Word so their destinies will become a reality. She goes beyond sharing biblical principles to practical application for everyday living.
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