Examining the Heart through Scripture and Reflection
Guarding Your Heart
The condition of the human heart is central to spiritual growth and renewal, as underscored in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse emphasizes the heart’s pivotal role in shaping our actions and thoughts. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 16:7, God reminds Samuel that “the Lord looks at the heart” rather than outward appearances. These scriptures illuminate the profound spiritual truth that our hearts are the seat of our intentions, motives, and relationship with God.
Years ago, I experienced a personal awakening regarding my heart’s condition. During a season marked by intense personal struggles, I came to understand the importance of guarding my heart against bitterness and negativity. My thoughts and emotions often conflicted with what I knew to be true in God’s Word, creating a battle within. Crying out to God with the words of Psalm 51:10—“Create in me a clean heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me”—became my anthem. Over time, through Christ’s transformative power, I found freedom and learned to maintain this posture of vigilance over my heart. Even today, I remain cautious to resist cultural negativity and external influences that may cause me to drift from God’s truth.
Understanding the Deceptive Nature of the Heart
The heart, while central to our spiritual lives, can also be a source of deception. As Jeremiah 17:9-10 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” This scripture reminds us that only God can truly discern the condition of our hearts and expose the thoughts and motivations hidden within. It challenges us to reflect honestly and ask: “What is the condition of my heart toward God and His people?”
In moments of spiritual complacency, we might unwittingly allow our preconceived notions and self-righteousness to lead us away from God’s expectations. Even good works can be tainted by a bad heart if they are performed without humility and alignment with God’s will. Satan exploits these vulnerabilities, planting seeds of confusion that erode our ability to distinguish between good and evil. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our true battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness. Recognizing this, we must strive to align our hearts with God’s truth and resist the temptations that seek to undermine our faith.
The Prophet’s Call for Repentance
The prophets of the Bible, like Jeremiah, were tasked with discerning the spiritual condition of individuals and nations. Jeremiah called the Israelites to repentance, urging them to return to God. He exposed their disobedience, greed, and neglect of justice—sins that led to the corruption of their hearts and their forfeiture of God’s protection. Despite God’s efforts to purify them (Jer. 9:7), the people scorned His warnings and continued in their sinful ways.
Jeremiah also prophesied of a future day when God would write His law on human hearts (Jer. 31:33), a vision fulfilled in Christ. This internalization of God’s law signifies a transformation that goes beyond superficial obedience to a deeply rooted spiritual renewal. It reminds us that God is not concerned with outward appearances or worldly measures of success; He searches for hearts that are completely devoted to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
A Heart Ablaze for God’s Glory
Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:18 resonates with Jeremiah’s prophetic vision. He prayed that the eyes of believers’ hearts would be enlightened, enabling them to grasp the hope, inheritance, and power found in Christ. This enlightenment draws us closer to God and ignites a fire on the altar of our hearts, as described in Leviticus 6:12—a fire that should never be extinguished.
God desires hearts that burn with passion for His glory, hearts that are fully surrendered and steadfast in their devotion. In our current cultural climate of racial tensions, political discord, and societal strife, it is more critical than ever to examine our hearts. Are they free of offense and bitterness? Are they aligned with God’s righteousness and love?
Reflection and Renewal
As we navigate life’s challenges, let us continually seek God’s guidance to cleanse and renew our hearts. The Apostle Paul’s prayer for the Church of Ephesus can serve as a blueprint for our own spiritual journey. By asking God to enlighten the eyes of our hearts, we open ourselves to the transformative power that raised Christ from the dead—a power that equips us to live in hope, wisdom, and strength.
When we say, “God knows my heart,” let us approach that statement with humility and an openness to His refining work in our lives. May we strive to guard our hearts, align our intentions with His will, and carry His light into a world in need of renewal.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 