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Most of us are familiar with Proverbs 4:23: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

The heart is the center of our life. It reveals our life dreams, it is where we believe. From it comes the "issues of life." It is where we trust in the Lord or do not trust in the Lord. It is where we decide to have a relationship with God Almighty or not. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." (Romans 10:10a).

A man’s heart is not only susceptible to Godly things, it can be influenced by wicked things. We deal with many purposes, thoughts, imaginations and reasoning in our heart. The challenge is to let the Lord direct us and counsel us.

Proverbs 16:9:
A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Proverbs 19:21:
There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.

The heart of God desires to see us have a heart of reverence and blessing.

Deuteronomy 5:29:
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever! 

Do you remember the parable of the sower taught by Jesus concerning the receiving of God’s Word? The seed was the Word of God.

Luke 8:12-15:
Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 
They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. 
And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. 
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. 

What does it take to have a heart for God? Perhaps looking at the early Church believers can help:

Acts 2:46 & 47:
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Proverbs can be helpful as well.

Proverbs 4:20 - 23:
My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. 
Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. 
For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh. 
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. 

It is evident that tending to our heart is very critical in seeing ourselves successfully walking with the Heavenly Father. If the seed is the Word of God, then it is important we become gardeners, good gardeners preparing the soil (our heart) to receive the Word of God. Spiritually speaking, having great meekness is a foundational principle in preparing our heart to receive God’s Word. Then we have to stay put working our hearts with God’s Word. If we are influenced to do other things and forget to read God’s Word consistently, then the devil can steal the Word of God out of our heart. (Remember the record of the sower and the seed in Luke printed above). As we are consistently feeding our heart God’s Word it will take root. And as it takes root then the cares and riches and pleasures of this life will not spoil our fruit. With patience we will produce fruit, the eternal fruit of God’s blessings.

After doing all this, the heart is prepared and ready. The gardener can then enjoy the fruit of believing the promises of God and sing and give praise to God. Please note in the following verse the word “fixed” is a translation of the same Hebrew word elsewhere rendered “prepared.”

Psalms 57:7:
My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Let’s take advantage of the simplicity of maintaining a meek heart toward God and His Word. Let’s stay faithful feeding our heart God’s Word. And as we enjoy the fruit of believing results let’s help others in the business of heart gardening.

- Bob Lindfelt

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