"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (Prov 4:20-23).
Everything springs and overflows from the condition of our hearts. If we store good things in our hearts, our words and actions will be good and vice versa.
"Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks "(Matthew 12:24), so it's wise to be careful what we are hearing because what we believe and how we shape our opinions is shaped by the things we hear. The bible teaches that our faith (trust, belief) comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17)
Our heart is our receptor; we receive and can give according to its condition. When our heart's are soft and willing before God, He can speak, and we can follow. He wants to use us to bless and reach the world, but the condition of our hearts determines how much we can receive from Him.
Hardness or a cluttered heart can cause us to miss the things of God and what He is doing. We can have ability and talent, but if our heart is not in a good place, we can miss God-given opportunities because we are not receptive.
David in the bible was called a man after God's own heart. He was the youngest of all his brothers, yet God chose him as King. His heart was soft towards God and others, and even though everyone else looked at the outward appearance, God looked foremost at his heart.
David wasn't perfect; later in life, he committed adultery and was responsible for a man being killed, yet because he had a repentant and teachable heart and attitude, he was able to move past his mistakes and learn how to be a better man and King.
What sort of heart do you have? A soft repentant heart or a hard, cynical, judgmental one?
Take some time to examine the condition of your heart and ask God to reveal to you any "rocks" that need to be removed so that you have a soft heart towards God and others.
Then you will be ready to receive all He has for you and freely be able to give to others.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way." (Psalm 139:23)
Prayer: Lord, reveal to me the condition of my heart and forgive me where I have allowed my heart to become hardened. Please help me to receive from you today. In Jesus name Amen.
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