It's All in the Heart

He feeds on ashes, a deceived heart has turned him aside. And he cannot deliver himself, nor say, is there not a lie in my right hand? Isaiah 44:20

The Bible speaks of various kinds of hearts. I looked up "heart" in my Strong's Concordance and was amazed at the list I found just from the first five books of the Bible. Some were admirable hearts and others were in need of transformation. Allow me to share my findings.

I saw a hardened heart, an evil heart, a grieved heart, an honest heart, an innocent heart, a failed heart, a glad heart, a willing heart, a stirred heart, a wise heart, a hateful heart, a sorrowful heart, a selfish heart, a discouraged heart, an obstinate heart, a departing heart, a lifted up heart, an upright heart, a servant's heart, a deceived heart, a wicked heart, a hot heart, a fainting heart, an astonished heart, a joyful heart, a glad heart, a fearful heart, a perceptive heart, a blessed heart, a circumcised heart, a loving heart, and a turned away heart. I now have a better understanding of various heart conditions. Considering the heart is "ones innermost character, feelings, and inclinations " it is easy to see the importance of having a right heart.

Our words, actions, and attitudes are a result of what is going on in our heart. They are fruit from the "trees" of our heart. No wonder we are encouraged to watch over our heart with all diligence, because from it flow the springs of life (Proverbs 4:24). I recently heard a speaker talk about the necessity of reaching the heart of our children. For them or us, that is the only way true change will come about.

In today's verse the deceived heart has three characteristics. It turns a person away from God, cannot deliver him, and keeps him holding on to lies. This type of heart can be found in anyone. So I must ask myself how as a Christian I can be deceived. Unless I know the truths about God and His Word I am a walking target for deception. And the frustrating part about deception is that many times we don't know we are embracing it.

I must continually ask God to search my heat and reveal to me where I am living with deception or any other negative condition.

Father, may my heart be an open book to You. May I long to know the truth about the condition of my heart as much as You long to show me. Amen.