Thursday, June 14, 2018

set your heart

As I was reading in Chronicles this morning, a particular verse stood out to me.

He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord .
2 Chronicles 12:14 NIV

This refers to Rehoboam, son of Solomon, grandson of King David.  Rehoboam had become king of Israel and rather than listen to the counsel of the wise men, he followed the counsel of his young friends. The kingdom split as ten tribes refused to follow an arrogant, young king. He refused to listen to the wise advice or to the people.  He had two tribes left and ended up allowing them to fall into idol worship and turn away from the one, true God. Egypt attacked and took the great treasures Solomon had stored up for Judah and Israel. Rehoboam did evil because his heart was not set on seeking the Lord. 

This lead me to think about my own heart and what I have it set on.
Is my  heart set on seeking the Lord.?  The Bible tells us in several places to keep our hearts set on the things of God.

Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:
Proverbs 23:19 NIV

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Colossians 3:1 NIV

This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence:
1 John 3:19 NIV

Do not trust in extortion or put vain hope in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Psalm 62:10 NIV

We have so much that distracts and attempts to overtake our affections and our hearts.  We need to guard our hearts and what we seek after.  Some seek after fame, fortune, the next great thing,  or even just attention  from others. Some seek after feeling good or satisfying whatever desire they have. The best and greatest we can desire and seek after is the Lord God Almighty.  When King David and King Solomon had their hearts set on the Lord, the kingdom prospered and was blessed. When Solomon allowed his heart to be turned away from God, his son, Rehoboam, was not able to keep the kingdom together. Solomon's example showed his son that service of God was not jmportant. Their sinful hearts brought about destruction of the kingdom. Their leadership away from seeking God, brought sorrow, war, and even great sin in the kingdom. Family turned against family, the blessings and treasure was lost and taken. The kingdom was no longer protected and safe. 

What consequences have come because my heart has not sought after God?
I pray my heart is set on seeking after God.  I do not want to be the reason my children or those around me suffer consequences of sin because I failed to be an example of seeking after God. 

Donʼt let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

My faith, and my heart needs to be set on God.  I need to display that God is most important and my life needs to reflect the desires of my heart. My heart should be set on Him and Him alone.  We are warned to guard our hearts. 

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23 NIV

We need to be wise and keep our hearts set on right things of God, not on the distractions that lead us from God.

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 NIV

We need to listen and take to heart the Word of God and earnestly follow after Him.

And he said to me, “Son of man, listen carefully and take to heart all the words I speak to you.
Ezekiel 3:10 NIV

He will lead us into righteousness and truth. He will guard, bless us, and produce the fruit that reflects a life of righteousness and joy that only comes from service to God.  A life filled with love, truth, faith, hope and joy. A life that will attract and overflow the best that comes from God himself.  He will be pleased and we can rest in His presence.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Psalm 5:11 NIV

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Psalm 16:11 NIV

True joy, peace and rest comes from God.  Set your heart on seeking the Lord.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for sharing your thoughts