Gaining the Heart of GodSample

Day Two: A Desperate Heart

We all want to be perceived well by others. We want people to think that we are worth following, listening to, or inspiring to be around. While on the surface, these are all good things to strive for, they can also cause issues of the heart that separate us from the grace of God. 

Why? 

Because it’s impossible to find the grace of God while also managing other people’s perception of ourselves. If we’re controlling our own image, we will wear ourselves out striving to please others before we ever reach God. Striving to keep up with the pace of those around us ultimately keeps us from fully enjoying God’s presence. 

Remember the abundance of grace promised in yesterday’s devotional? Receiving God’s abundance requires humility; it requires the ability to bring your heart before God when you are desperately in need of him. 

The world may work on systems of predictable return, but with the God of grace there is mystery and surprise, much like the father surprising his returning son with a hug. God’s love is so abundant it can’t be comprehended, it can only be received. God will shower his grace in just the way you can receive it. When you are honest before God about your needy heart, expect God to meet you with his love. He is not indifferent or aloof, but eager and steadfast to reach you with his love.

Is this promise of God’s love leading you toward him? Or, are you still thinking about self-image? If the lost son in Jesus’ parable had worked to clean himself up before returning home, he might have lost months, or even years. Instead, he came to his senses and recognized the deep longing in his soul. He turned to the one who could offer forgiveness.

Our souls’ happiness and sadness can be signs of our feeling God’s nearness or distance. Jesus gives a sure hope to a desperate heart: we can draw near to God. Our souls long for his presence like a thirst. His deep love is calling to our deep needs. The longings of your soul may come out in praise or song or prayer. Make room in your thoughts for God. He thinks of you.

Reflection: If you are dissatisfied with the world’s applause, God may be helping you realize your need for him. Draw near to God and he will satisfy you.

Prayer: "God, Thank you for satisfying me. Help me remember how good it is to come home to you. Amen."