Your Father's Heart

Having a heart-healthy lifestyle is important, both in the natural as well as in the spiritual. Many of the same principles work in both environments. We need good food, we need plenty of exercise, and we need a good attitude.

God gave us a new heart when we turned to Him, choosing to leave our old life, our former ways, behind. Those old, dark days were anything but healthy for our heart. But a new start is just that: a beginning point. It is up to us to keep up the pace and continue in the right direction.

The Word of God is the best food for your heart. Feed on it, live in it, walk with it. Immerse yourself in the word and ask God to open your understanding of it. He will send His Spirit to show you things in the Scriptures you have never realized before. He will show you Jesus, the evidence of His love for you.

Exercise is very important. Just feeding your heart is not enough -- it must be given the chance to use the food or it will get clogged. Service is the heartbeat of the Christian life. Ask God to open doors for you and to let you see with His eyes the opportunities around you. A word of warning: as you become aware of the needs in the lives around you, it can be overwhelming if you consider it in terms of your own natural strength and resources. Remember, it is His work, and He is the Savior, the Lord, the Shepherd, and the Healer. Be His arm outstretched, moving in His strength, walking in His wisdom, praying in His anointing, reaching for His resources. As God's love and power and mercy and grace flow through you, the praise which belongs to Him will burst forth from you.

Gratitude is a heart-healthy attitude. Make it a constant part of your day to express praise to God. Sing it to Him, whisper it to Him, speak it out to others about Him. As you persist in praise, it shields you from any possible build-up of pride, protecting you from the artery-clogging sense of self that blocks the flow of the life-giving Spirit. Let God be true, and every man a liar; there is no good thing in me, but every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above. I chose to decrease, that He may increase. Giving praise, honor, and glory to Him who sits on the throne, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords produces humility which is one of the finest clot-busters available.

How is your heart today? Is it healthy? Is it hungry? Is it hopeful? Is it humble? Look to God, the author and finisher of our faith. He will see us through to the end.

Romans 12:12 Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray all the time.

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

2 Peter 3:18 Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 49:8 This is what the Lord says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you."

Father God, we lift our voices to You in praise. You have started us on our new life and You continue to lead us daily in the way we need to go. You are our all-sufficient Lord, the One who is forever faithful. Our hope is in You, Father, for You have set us free and given us sight. When we are bowed down, Lord, from the world's ties that bind, You are the One who lifts us up and seats us in the heavenlies, giving us rest and peace for our souls. Reign forever, O Lord, starting in our hearts!

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