For as long I can remember I’ve seen the quote, “Follow Your Heart”. Whether it be stitched onto a T-shirt, tattooed on someone’s arm, sitting pretty in a frame, written in a book, etc..
I only began to really question this quote when I got older and started needing to make “high stakes” kinds of decisions.
Yeah, “Follow your Heart” sounded nice written in a Paulo Coelho book, but anything beyond that sounded very foolish and impulsive.
It seemed like one of those quotes that has a person packing their life into a suitcase and booking the next one way flight to Asia [[ps I would be lying if I said this thought has never crossed my mind 😉 ]] .
Before giving my heart to God, this whole concept of using my heart as a compass didn’t help me much because I didn’t really trust myself (my heart). Sure I am pretty good at trusting my gut instinct, but the wisdom of age has taught me a healthy mix of heart and logic are a better blend.
When I surrendered my life to God I game him the keys to make my heart His residency-
“My son give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways”- Proverbs 23:26
Because of this I have a newfound peace in following my heart because I know that God is in control of it.
I no longer get stuck or anxious second guessing my steps, but can instead take graceful strides in knowing that my decisions come from God.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”- Philippians 4:7
To put it simply, God has a sovereign plan for your life and will guide you into it. To ensure this happens, your role is to keep your heart posture in tact- by seeking Him with your whole heart. Sounds easy right? But we all know keeping our hearts sound in a fallen world isn’t always easy!
Want to get back your heart posture back in alignment with God? Try the steps below:
- Diligence- Set aside time for God
Captivate(v): Attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm.
Think about your past week. What has been captivating your attention? Is it God, or something/someone else?
“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”-Matthew 6:21
2. Chase what is GOOD
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”-Romans 12:9
From the outside-in: Turn your back to people/places/music/books/TV/etc that leaven the whole lump (Galatians 5:9) and instead work towards cultivating Christian community
From the inside-out: (i.e. self talk) Ensure you’re running from negative self talk and dwelling upon all that is GOOD
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8)
3. Prayer
Ask God to make you more like him and take away anything is not from Him. It doesn’t have to be fancy. A prayer as short as Psalm 51:10 says it all,
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me”
All the Love from my heart to yours,
Grace
