A Heart of Understanding

After I'd set up my blog, I had thought of changing the name from, "If Your Heart Could Write" to "If My Heart Could Write." I realized though that God had a purpose in the name. It wasn't about me, but the hearts of those it was meant to touch and communicate His message to.

1st Samuel 16: v.7 NIV
...."The Lord does not look at the things man looks at...but the Lord looks at the heart."

When our need to be understood is lost on those around us who only see on the surface, sometimes feelings get hurt. Just yesterday a co-worker blamed me for a situation that was beyond my control. The statement made was very offensive and almost instantly I started to recoil. To say the least I chewed on the bit awhile.

James 1: v. 19-20 NIV
...."Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."

If I'd said what came to mind,(be slow to speak), in response to my anger,(be slow to anger), I would have missed(be quick to listen), what God wanted me to hear. He allowed me to see beyond the surface of her anger to her heart. Her outburst was a result of her pain to a situation also beyond her control.

Does God discount my hurt and my anger? He most definitely does not. I have a High Priest, Jesus Christ, who understands.

Hebrews 4: v. 15 NIV
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way, just as we are-yet was without sin."

Does He leave me alone in my situation without an answer or a solution? He provides a way.

Hebrews 4: v. 6 NIV
"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and grace to help us in time of need."

In leaving "self" at the "throne of grace" may our actions, not re-actions, bring about "the righteous life that God desires." James 1: v. 20

In so doing we may well lead someone in need to Jesus, the Great High Priest of understanding.

Our Words Reflected

Wow! My first opportunity to say something and I'm almost at a loss for words. It seems odd how we can chatter away endlessly, but when it comes to something important, our minds draw a blank. Everyday we are drawn into conversations about our co-workers, family, what the neighbors did down the street and on goes the list. I have often come home from work just exhausted from the negative conversations that have besieged me all day.
Isaiah 6: v. 5 "I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell in the midst of a people with unclean lips."KJV
The sin in our heart is so much reflected in our conversations.
James 3: v. 13 "Who is a wise man among you and endued with knowledge.... let him show out of a good conversation his works."KJV
My desire is that what I speak and what is written would reflect who God is in my life, giving hope and encouragement to others.