Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

The Bible mentions the heart over 700 times, and it’s worth pondering the significance of its prolific appearance in the Scriptures. The heart is described as more than just an organ that pumps blood—it is depicted as the very essence of our being. Proverbs 4:23 firmly instructs us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life.” This profound statement encapsulates a vital truth: our hearts govern our thoughts, emotions, decisions, and ultimately, the course of our lives.
When we think of the heart, we often associate it with love. For many, such sentiments conjure images of family and deep emotional connections. In my life, I often think about my love for my husband, who travels the country as an over-the-road truck driver while I am settled in North Carolina. Regardless of our physical separation, my heart always overflows with love for him, a testament to the notion that love transcends distance. The same holds true for my love for my children; a simple call or text from them can fill my heart with immeasurable joy.
However, when we examine the biblical usage of the term “heart,” we discover that it encompasses far more than romantic affection. The heart is often presented as the seat of intellect, feelings, and will. It serves as our central control center—the place where thoughts begin, develop, and take root. While this can be the source of dreams and aspirations, it can equally sprout negativity and harmful tendencies. The heart is fertile ground; what, then, are we planting in it?

The Heart as Fertile Ground

Our hearts are constantly receiving input from various sources—including what we watch, read, and listen to. The things we interact with on a daily basis can either nourish or poison the ground of our hearts. As stated in Hebrews 12:15, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” This verse reminds us that holding onto unforgiveness can plant roots of bitterness in our hearts, negatively influencing both our lives and the lives of those around us.
Reflecting upon Acts 2:42-46, we read about the early church, whose members had hearts fully engaged and committed to one another. They shared their possessions, time, and efforts—not just for those they loved but for complete strangers as well. Their commitment stemmed from an act of obedience to God, birthed from a deep understanding and acceptance of His love for them. This love fueled their unity, encouraging them to embody Christ’s commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” The self-giving nature of this love demonstrates a heart that is fully committed to God and others.

The Challenge of Commitment

Imagine what our lives could look like if we decided to deepen our commitment to God instead of merely going through the motions of our faith. Too often, we wait until crises hit to scramble back to God. Instead, what if we prioritized our relationship with Him daily? Do we allow our hearts to leap for joy when we feel His presence, or do we go about our days disengaged, treating God as an afterthought?
God’s heart for us is not dependent on our willingness to meet Him; His love is supernatural, unconditional, and pervasive. He invites us to experience intimacy with Him, calling us to a place of surrender and openness. His words in Jeremiah 29:13 is a promise; “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” This highlights the importance of actively pursuing our relationship with Him and keeping our hearts aligned with His.

Filling Our Hearts with God’s Presence

There is only one way to truly live with a full heart, and that is by allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us afresh each day. In Ephesians 5:18, we are reminded of the necessity of being filled with the Spirit. This filling empowers us to love others selflessly, to plant seeds of joy, kindness, and hope in our hearts, and to resist the pull of bitterness and unforgiveness that can take root if we are not vigilant.
Are you willing to invite the Holy Spirit to fill you anew today? It’s a conscious choice that can redefine the course of our hearts and lives. When we allow the Spirit to guide us, we are transformed. Romans 12:2 encourages us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation begins in the heart—indeed, our inward reality will often manifest externally.

The Overflow of a Grateful Heart

As our hearts remain dedicated to God, we discover the beauty of a thankful heart, which can change our perspective and elevate our relationships. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 teaches us the value of gratitude: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” A heart rooted in thankfulness cultivates a deeper appreciation for God’s provisions and purposes in our lives.
Moreover, our contentment inspires generosity. Proverbs 11:25 states, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” The hearts of the early church in Acts exemplified this principle—they were filled with gratitude and, as a result, freely offered their possessions and care to one another.

Conclusion: The Heart of the Matter

Our spiritual journey begins in the heart. Proverbs 4:23 serves as a vital reminder that we must guard our hearts diligently. What we choose to plant and nurture there has the potential to sow life, hope, and joy or bring about bitterness, anger, and despair.
Let us take time to evaluate the seeds we are sowing in our hearts. Are we prioritizing our relationship with God, or have we placed Him on the back burner? Are we committing ourselves to love others, living out the principle of loving our neighbors as ourselves? It’s in our daily, conscious decisions to center our lives around God that we find fulfillment and the true richness of life.
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you anew today. Seek to fill your heart with His presence, allowing Him to uproot bitterness and cultivate a garden of love and gratitude. As we engage with our hearts honestly and courageously, we will find ways to bless others, reflect Christ’s love, and nurture a deeper communion with God. Our hearts, after all, are the source of life’s abundance; let us guard them well.