Understanding Psalm 66:18 in Simple Terms
Let’s talk about what it means to have “iniquity in my heart,” especially as described in Psalm 66:18: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” In plain language, this phrase is a reminder that God pays attention to what’s happening inside us, not just the words we say or the actions we show others.
“Iniquity” is just a fancy word for sin or wrongdoing—the times we know we’re doing something wrong but do it anyway. When the verse says to “regard iniquity in my heart,” it means not just accidentally messing up, but actually holding onto bad thoughts, actions, or intentions. It’s about choosing not to let go of things we know are wrong, and not wanting to change or ask for forgiveness.
This isn’t about being perfect. Everyone struggles with doing the right thing sometimes. The message here is about our attitude—are we willing to admit when we’re wrong and try to do better, or are we secretly holding onto habits, grudges, or desires we know aren’t right? When we knowingly keep these things in our hearts and refuse to let them go, the verse says God won’t listen to our prayers the way we hope.
The idea is not to scare us, but to encourage us to be honest with ourselves and with God. It’s a reminder that going through the motions—like praying, singing, or even giving to charity—doesn’t mean much if our hearts aren’t in the right place. God wants sincerity and a real desire to turn away from what’s wrong. So, if you find yourself holding onto something you know isn’t right, don’t be discouraged. Instead, see this as an invitation to come clean, ask God for help, and let go. The good news is, God is always ready to listen when we come to Him with an honest heart—no matter what we’ve done in the past. That’s what truly matters
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 