As our world continues its restrictions and we all find our daily life in a new routine, I wonder if you’re feeling a bit lost? I’ve been getting up and asking,
“What should I do today? How should I spend my time?”
My flesh (my heart) tells me one thing, the Spirit of God another. Sadly, I haven’t always listened and obeyed God’s voice. Why? The pull of the flesh is strong! My heart wants me to be lazy, comfortable, at ease, and not pushed into hard things!
It’s so easy to believe that ~
- I deserve a little extra sleep!
- I’m too busy to stop and pray.
- It doesn’t matter if I don’t get to _____ or ______. No one is going to see it but my family!
- I’m too exhausted to even think about working on a Bible study.
- I never was good at memorizing things; forget trying to memorize Scripture!
This week as I read Proverbs 28, I was reminded that
He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (V. 26)
Ouch! God calls it foolish for us to trust in our own heart! Why? Because He also tells us that our hearts are:
- Deceitful and wicked – Jeremiah 17:9 It will lead me astray!
- Full of evil thoughts! – Mark 7:21 Things like immorality, theft, greed and arrogance are included.
- Often full of evil continually, as in the days of Noah. Genesis 6:5
- Doubtful of God’s existence – Psalm 14:1
- Unrighteous without Christ. – Romans 3:10
- Not seeking after God – Psalm 10:4
So if our hearts are all of the above (and they are!), why would we follow our heart instead of following God’s directives? Because let’s face it, it’s not easy!
The real truth is, it is impossible.
That’s why God tells us Without Me ye can do nothing!
When the Spirit of God prompts our hearts to get up out of the soft, warm, cozy bed to go pray and our heart cries out, “I have a right to a little more sleep!,” we can call out to the Lord and say, Father, help me to follow You instead of my heart. Give me strength to get up and pray and get into Your Word this morning.
Oh, what joy there is in watching the Lord strengthen us to do His will! As I said earlier, I haven’t always obeyed the Lord to do the hard things, but I will say this, I have never regretted the times I did obey!
Then I got to see what God can do!
Then I had the blessing of His Spirit quickening me!
Then I was prepared for what He knew I needed!
I might not be able to tell you how to spend your days while we wait out this virus, but I CAN tell you that if you turn a deaf ear to your heart and listen to what the Lord is whispering in your ear, you will come out on the other side of this time stronger, more joyful and with a testimony to share of God’s goodness!
What area do you find it’s easiest to listen more to your heart than to what God wants you to do?
Refresh yourself by turning a deaf ear to your heart!
RefreshHer 
THANK YOU for your honesty and encouragement from God’s Word!!! You have been such a blessing during this uncertain time!!! Love how you are using the opportunities God has given to advance His Word!!!
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Thank you for your encouragement to me, Joanna. I truly appreciate it. The Lord has burdened my heart to share Truth during this time of fear and worry. I pray He will use my simple posts/videos for His glory. Thanks so much for reading/watching!
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Oh, this was needful and helpful right about now. As these days of quarantine drag on, my flesh seems to be getting week. (Too often I have caught myself thinking/saying/believing “what difference does it matter”!) Definitely time to silence my heart and listen for His voice. Thanks, Denise – you are a blessing!
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I understand what you’re saying – that’s been my heart response, too. It’s so easy to lean towards that pull, isn’t it? Praise the Lord we have His Spirit to help us turn a deaf ear to our heart so we might listen and obey Him instead!
Thanks for letting me know this helped you!
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