Faithful on Fridays Blog

The book of Proverbs is all about ruling and reigning in life, mashal, with chapters 22-23 clearly highlighting the central role of the heart. 

My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Proverbs 23:19 

How do we Biblically define the heart? It’s not the organ but it’s the ‘hidden man’, ‘inner man’, or our soul. Interestingly, our heart can be right or wrong, pure or hard, full of faith or doubt, near or far from God, but it’s also the center of who we are. 

Our desires (whether helpful or harmful), emotions, motives, and passions all dwell in our heart, therefore, we know it’s crucial to kingdom living. It’s the place of our conscience, where choices are made, secrets are kept, and pride or humility dwells: It’s what makes you tick.

Solomon thought it was important:

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right. Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

Hear, my son, and be wise, and direct your heart in the way.

My son, give Me your heart, and let your eyes observe My ways.

Proverbs 23:12, 15-17, 19, 26 

The intentions of the heart are known by God but can be changed when examined and submitted to Him. 

… but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4b

Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3 

Have you ever thought of yourself as a letter from Jesus to others? Your emotions about current issues, your moral character, basically your core directs people to or away from God. He already knows what’s in your heart today, do you want to change it’s direction? Do you want to walk in more faith and trust? Check your heart because it holds memories that may need to be purged, thoughts that should to be purified, or heaviness that can be lifted. The Holy Spirit not only can but desires to help you with that; He dwells in your hearts. 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15a 

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 

The ruling and reigning of the heart is mashal, and we can train it (2 Peter 2:14) toward peace and wholeness. It holds the treasures of faith, memories, and awareness of His Presence; take advantage of His benefits and rise to a new level of reigning this week.