Above All Else

This week I was listening to a message by Sarah Pearsons entitled 'Healing From the Heart'.  (www.pearsonsministries.com). The message itself was full of truth, but what impressed me the most was the messenger.  Sarah spoke from the conviction of her heart.  It was very evident that the Holy Spirit had done a special work within her, producing fruit that brought healing not only to her own heart, but to those open to receive her words.

I suppose it reminded me again that our faith is not based on knowledge of the Word alone, but the living experience of the Holy Spirit at work within us.  He is actively and intricately involved in our hearts, producing supernatural fruit that causes everything pertaining to life and godliness to flow in and through us.  Proverbs 4:20-23 clearly confirms this when it says that life flows from our hearts, which is the place where God resides.

Perhaps what really struck a chord with me was the truth that a healthy heart, actively filled and overflowing with the presence of the Holy Spirit, opens the door to promotion in life.  The fruit the Holy Spirit produces within us, makes a way for us to flourish, succeed and be productive in life.  Also, the cleaner the heart (from things like anxiety, unbelief, unforgiveness, and the like), the clearer the mind!  Wow, there is a truck load of truth in that statement alone!  After listening to teachings by Dr. Michelle Strydom on the heart - mind connection, my understanding of this statement has increased immensely.  Since every thought has the potential to influence the flow of life from the Spirit of God that lives inside of us, it is of utmost importance we keep a diligent watch over the condition of our hearts, and the thoughts we allow to influence them.  It's no wonder Proverbs tells us to guard our hearts ABOVE ALL ELSE .  

Scripture constantly teaches us the importance of not allowing our hearts to be troubled.  We are warned to keep worry and anxious thoughts out of our lives.  In truth, every thought that distracts us from our source of life cannot be entertained or allowed to dwell in our minds.  I love the way Sarah put it, she said we should be constantly aware of the condition of our hearts by checking if there is anything 'off' inside our innermost thoughts.  I read something in Psalm 42:11 about this, "Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, Who is the help of my countenance, and my God."   Being on the lookout for any tell tale signs that indicate a 'blockage' in the flow of life that should be flowing from the Spirit of God inside of us, is essential.  Any wayward, rebellious thoughts that have latched themselves to our minds and distracted our focus cause that blockage.  The result is a feeling of agitation and frustration just below the surface, which is a clear indication that all is not well within.  Don't just push down that feeling of unease, it won't go away unless you purposefully do something about the thought process that produced it.   

In our next letter, I'm going to speak about the special partnership we have with the Holy Spirit, that enables us to deal thoroughly with the unease of our hearts.  The Psalmest had the right idea when he spoke to his heart and instructed it to hope in God and wait expectantly for Him.  If you find yourself in a position where your heart is burdened or troubled, I want to remind you that in God, there is ALWAYS hope.  Don't give in to that feeling of hopeless defeat dear friend, turn your eyes on Him and wait expectantly for Him.  Even if it feels as if there is nothing to be hopeful about, you can trust in Him.  As that truth alone sinks into your spirit, you will begin to feel a new song of praise rise up inside.  That's the perfect start for the recovery of your heart.

Much love,

Jenny