If God has a heart, what would you picture His heart to look like? First, let me say that I don’t feel adequate to describe God in the least or the greatest way. God is just too wonderful for anyone to circumscribe; (Ps. 139:6). One thing that we can be sure of is that God does have a heart. Have you ever thought about God’s heart? What condition do you think His heart may be in?
When I think of God’s heart, I think of a magnificent heart so filled with love that it has its own name, “Agape.” Agape love is an unconditional love that is rarely found in the human heart. It’s a sacrificial type of love, a love that finds purpose in dying for others. This love describes the condition of God’s exquisite heart.
I believe that His heart is the most methodical heart to ever exist. In the beginning, God spoke creation into existence. “Let there be,” He said, and it became. The complexities of His heart allowed Him to fashion unseen things that He calls forth. He designed an entire solar system, and He formed Adam the first man. From that man, He surgically created a woman, Eve from the mans’ rib. He didn’t just stop there; He designed families, and this cycle continues today.
His creative power is beyond all comprehension. The Bible tells us that God has manifold-wisdoms; (Eph. 3:10). His thoughts and ways are higher than man’s; (Isa. 55:9). Yet mankind is always on His mind. King David asked this question, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visit him?” (Ps. 8:4). We cannot fully comprehend His knowledge.
What’s most important to you, God’s heart or His hand? Some of us are after God’s heart, while others desire to have what’s in His hand. Laying claim to the blessings is most important for many who follow Christ. The things that He can do for them outweigh having a personal relationship with Him. Followers follow Christ, but for what reason?
Perhaps you remember Jesus’ cousins, John, and James, the sons of Zebedee. Mark 10:35-39 gives us an account of the request that they presented to Jesus. “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask of You.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said, “Grant that we may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left, in Your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They replied, “We are able.”
What the sons of Zebedee failed to realize was they were putting in a bid for two kingdom seats and revealing the motive of their hearts at the same time. They felt entitled to a high position in the Kingdom because of their connection to Christ. However, Jesus replied, “To sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared”; (v.40).
Jesus set them straight when he prophesied to them revealing their future. They would suffer persecution just as He would; (v.39). This is a lesson in humility for those who claim they follow Christ. The fruit of meekness and love are at the forefront of this gift. Humility is a gift of the Holy Spirit; (Galatians 5:22-23). Wonderful things happen to us after we’ve crucified our flesh of worldly desires. Lust, selfishness, jealousy, and greed are worldly desires. Galatians 5:24 reads, “And they that are in Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
Let’s examine ourselves and see where our heart is leading us. Are we seeking to claim fame? Are we willing to put aside our fleshly desires and forgo following the world’s ways? Christians are followers of Christ.
THE THINGS THAT GOD LOOKS AT
The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outside appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart; (1 Sam. 16:7b NIV). We often form opinions by the outward characteristics of a person. Man looks at the stature of another man, and then He judges by size, sharpness, and man’s livelihood. With the heart being the core of our being, God searches the heart and tests the mind; (Jere. 17:10). He knows the matters of the heart, and He judges it. He values love, faith, and the obedience of a man.
God confessed that David, the son of Jesse, was a man after His heart (1 Sam. 13:14; Acts 13:22). After making this statement, He exalted David. He sent the Prophet Samuel to anoint David at the age of 15. The oil was ahead of David’s reality. While he was still caring for his father’s sheep, he was anointed, King. He was also an anointed worship leader; he spent countless hours wooing God through praise, worship, and prayer. Two-thirds of the Psalms were penned by David, proving that he diligently sought after God’s heart.
The quickest way to God’s heart is to earnestly seek Him early; (Ps. 63:1). It’s vital for us to study God’s Word and to share His love with others. Invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers into a friendship relationship with Christ. Encourage them to seek God’s heart to learn about the love of God through Jesus Christ. Share your testimony wholeheartedly.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for this day. Thank You for the revelation found in this teaching. Help us to stay rooted and grounded in your Holy Word. Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Help us to apply these instructions to our everyday lives. Help us to stay connected to the vine and not seek the things of this dying world. May we continuously lift up the name of Jesus and boldly tell others about Your love Father so that they may have hope. May goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. May we dwell in the house of the Lord forever. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Jeanie Martin Ministries 