“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)
People often advise us to follow our hearts if we want to be happy in life. Following your heart is an idiom, meaning to do what you really want to do. This sounds like good advice. After all, one should pursue goals in life that make one happy, right? But what if I said I wholeheartedly disagree?
I think this is terrible advice because to actually follow one’s heart; one must notice one’s feelings and then do what feels good or right. And let’s face it, if we make decisions based on our feelings, we will probably end up in serious trouble. After all, I can’t tell you how often I have gotten irritated and wanted to slap someone silly for saying something or ram the guy who cut me off on the freeway.
As a teenager, I followed my heart and fell for the first person who made me feel safe and loved. I started college as a pre-med student because it made me feel influential and respected. I ended up getting married way too young, changing my major three times, and having my first child before I even graduated from college. However, I do not regret pursuing marriage, family, and education. I can’t help but wonder how much easier my life would have been if I had prayed, sought God’s advice, and waited a little before foolishly jumping in with both feet.
You see, my friend, following our heart is following an untrustworthy guide. That’s because the heart is deceitful. It only wants what feels good. And what feels good is not always the wise choice. In fact, the Bible states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)
The Bible also tells us that following the heart’s desires can lead to sin. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (Matthew 15:19, ESV)
So, Let’s follow God, not our heart. Let’s be like David, who said, “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26, ESV) Let’s model after David and do these two things to follow God instead of our hearts:
- Pray
David sought God in prayer constantly. He prayed when: he was grateful, he was in trouble, he messed up, and he needed advice and help. He knew that when he put his relationship with God first, everything else would follow. That’s why he said, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4, ESV)
- Let the Word, the Bible, direct our steps
David also delighted in God’s word. He described it as perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. He said the bible is a source of strength and transformation and was a “lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, ESV)
Even Jesus told us, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32, ESV)
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for coming to free me and give me abundant life. Help me remember to let You direct my heart with Your steadfast love. Help me trust You rather than follow the crazy whims of my heart. I trust You will direct my steps and lead me in wisdom, peace, and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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