With my whole heart I have sought You;
Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments!
Psalm 119:10
TAKING IT IN
The key to understanding this week’s verse is found in not just seeking God, but seeking Him with a whole heart. To better comprehend a “whole heart” it is important to look at its counterpart – “half heartedness”. The definitions that help us to understand this condition are words like “apathetic”, “neutral”, and “lukewarm”. Are you getting the picture?
I found the timing of my flight to California and this devotion so perfect as I enjoyed the opportunity to read Kyle Idleman’s book, “Not a Fan”. His point that Jesus is not interested in having admirers, it isn’t “fans” He is looking for, but “followers” definitely speaks to the issue of “half-heartedness” in a believer’s life.
In diagnosing “fandom”, Kyle asks the question,
“Is Jesus one of many or is He your One and Only?
Kyle uses an illustration that helps us to understand what it means to seek God with a whole heart as he uses the picture of marriage:
If you’re married, it’s probably best to picture your husband or wife. Now imagine that while you are defining the relationship and determining the level of commitment, you make it clear where you stand. You are all-in. You say, I am giving you my heart and want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you. Now imagine that your significant other says something like this to you: I love you too. I am willing to commit to you for the rest of my life. Let’s take this to the next level. I just have one condition; I still want to be able to see other people. That is essentially what a fan says to Jesus. A fan says I love you. I am committed to you. But let’s not be exclusive. Jesus makes it clear that He will not share your affection. Following Him requires your whole heart.
MAKING IT MEANINGFUL
Imagine the thought of a half-hearted spouse or parent, or a half-hearted friend. Not being sincere, genuine or fully invested, half-hearted relationships have no benefit for our lives. So how can there be any benefit in a half-hearted relationship with God? It is no wonder we are warned about the dangers of becoming lukewarm in the Bible. What brings about this condition? We give our hearts away to so many other things that our relationship with Christ lacks passion and intensity. We are prone to wander. Isaiah 53:6 speaks to this heart condition:
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
WORKING IT INTO MY HEART
In his book, “Not a Fan” Kyle asks some great questions to reveal if we are suffering from half-heartedness. Take some time to honestly answer them and begin today to seek God with a whole heart and let your journey of revival begin.
- For what do you sacrifice your money?
- When you are hurt, where do you go for comfort?
- What disappoints or frustrates you the most?
- What is it that gets you really excited?
Remember your Good Shepherd’s desire is to protect you from that “wandering” for everything that you are seeking is found in Him.
End your time with God today by singing these words with a whole heart…It will bring you great joy!