August 6, 2012

The psalmist David writes such magnificent prayers! In Psalm 86, notice how the heart of David cries out for more of the Lord…

“Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy…Guard my life, for I am devoted to you…Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul…You are kind and forgiving, abounding in love to all who call to you…You are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86: 1-6; 10,11)

David acknowledges that the Lord is great in love, the one who delivered his soul, he’s compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. In return, the psalmist longs for a heart that’s undivided. An undivided heart is so filled up with God that there’s no room for any evil intent, arrogance, malice, vice or pride. An undivided heart instead seeks purity of thought, intimacy of fellowship, loving worship, and unity of life purpose with God.

When the Lord gave the land back to the Israelites, as he had promised, the prophet Ezekiel records for us that the Lord “Will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11: 18-21). From a heart like impenetrable stone to one likened to malleable flesh – what a gift of transforming mercy and grace.

The competition for the heart of a believer is likened to warfare. An undivided heart knows how real the battle is within, as the enemy prowls around the heart seeking full control. The enemy tempts us with alluring pleasures, earthly pursuits, and worldly possessions. An undivided heart leans fully on the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to confront the enemy’s schemes.  That which divides the heart today keeps one from experiencing the fulness of the God-abundant life of Christlikeness.  We cannot serve two masters.

So, what is it that’s dividing your heart today and pulling you away from living fully for the Lord? Acknowledge the reality of your heart today and put your hope, confidence, and trust in God’s lovingly faithful and forgiving hands.