Hearts are deceiving

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

Jeremiah the prophet writes these words and it is followed by God’s answer which is the He searches the heart and examines the mind. God is just because He knows everything that we feel, think, and are motivated by. Jeremiah is right to say that the heart is deceitful. In the heart are hidden desires and passions. Much of the flesh’s ways are attached to the heart. It is only when we have Jesus ruling within our hearts can we overcome the sin of our flesh. We must bring our flesh under discipline by dying to the desires of our hearts and choosing Jesus’ Word above all else.

Last night, I was in a bad mood going to bed. I was so troubled because I felt like someone I had been mentoring was still choosing to take the path of the world. I got so frustrated, thinking, “Can’t she see that if she would just be obedient to God in this area, then she will be greatly blessed?” This morning, God gives me Jeremiah 17:9 to remind me that not even my heart is righteous or good. Truly, the heart is deceitful, even to the person whom the heart belongs to. I’m sure this girl never meant to purposefully grieve me and the Holy Spirit, but she did. This helps me to take a step back and look at my own life. Am I grieving the Holy Spirit? Just because my friends and family don’t search my heart or examine my mind, I’m sure they would agree that I am a good person. But, when I really look inside my heart, I see the deceit. I see how much junk I have in there and it is ugly! It stinks! But, I can ask Jesus to forgive me and to take control over my heart. He is the one who can overcome my flesh’s desires, but I have to ask Him to. He will not force His power upon me. Today, may I take my focus off of other people’s hearts and really take the time to work on disciplining my own.

Heavenly Father, I love You, Lord! I ask for Your forgiveness again. Lord, thank You for Your grace. Jesus, make Your power glorious within my heart. I give You full permission and authority over my flesh. Help me to discipline myself and die to my worldly desires. Purify me, oh Lord. I pray that You help me to forgive my friend, and that I treat her with your grace and agape love. I pray for Your healing upon Your children, that we may be a testimony of Your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.