Follow Your Heart?

Follow Your Heart?

How many times have you heard that one before? Like when you’re asking for advice to make a big decision. Or, while watching cheesy Hallmark movies – an activity I try to avoid at all costs! The guidance to follow your heart is a common message in those movies. I’d never thought much of it until I heard actress and Christ follower Candace Cameron Bure share that she won’t say “follow your heart” in her movies anymore because, as the Bible says, the heart can be full of deceit. And because of her platform, she wants to lead people toward the truth rather than away from it.

God said in Jeremiah 17:9-10, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” The heart can also be home to pride, jealousy, selfish ambition and other sin that displeases God’s heart. The writer of Proverbs 21:2 would agree: “A person may think their own ways are right, but the Lord weighs the heart.”

In confusing times or when a decision needs to be made, what do we do? Our natural default is to check in with our heart, right? To decide what we want and go after that. Though that seems like the normal approach, it only seems that way because it’s the world’s way. That’s the example we’re surrounded by. But that doesn’t mean it’s right in the Kingdom of God.

Which is why Paul wrote this in Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

So, if your heart can lead you astray and outside of God’s will, what should you follow? You should follow God’s voice. But that begs the next question: How can you hear God’s voice?

If you’re going to follow God’s voice, you first need to hear it. God speaks to us in many ways, but the foundation for hearing His voice is through His Word and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Writing to his young friend Timothy, Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Scripture (that’s God’s Word) has the breath of God on it (that’s the Holy Spirit). Together, they show us the way that leads to life.

God’s Word can be your guidebook for life on earth. The blueprint for how to live a life that pleases Him. It covers how to deal with pretty much any situation you’ll face in this lifetime – from how to manage your finances to how to steward your relationships. Not sure about which direction to go on a major decision? Go to God’s Word. Not hearing the voice of God? Read more of His Word. The more you read God’s Word, the more you’ll get to know Him and the easier it’ll be to recognize His voice when He’s speaking to you. It also helps you identify the enemy’s voice planting lies.

The Bible reveals God’s nature, heart and will. It shows you how He works and moves to help you align yourself with Him and recognize signs of His hand at work in your own life. When you read the Bible, He gives you the understanding to recognize God’s truth and receive it for yourself.

But doesn’t the Bible say God gives you your heart’s desires? Yes, it does. In Psalm 37:4 He says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” You’ll notice in this scripture that before God gives you the desires of your heart, you must first delight in Him. That means to take pleasure in Him. In other words, you want to please God (Psalm 19:14) and seek Him above all else (Matthew 6:33).

You can find out what pleases God by looking to His Word. And the more you open your heart and mind to receive His truth, the more your heart is transformed to reflect God’s heart. Then His desires become your desires.

So, following a pure heart that’s shaped to make you more Christlike can lead you in the right direction. But even so, there can still be seeds of sin that offend God (Psalm 139:23-24). It’s through God’s Word that your heart can be kept in check (Hebrews 4:12).

So, as you determine the direction for your life from this day forward, instead of following your heart, I encourage you to follow the voice of God in your life. His plans are so much better! Keep reading His Word and listening to His voice!

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God or regularly watch the live feed, consider reading Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 to get ready to worship this coming Sunday, August 16 as Pastor Dale shares some good news from God’s Word for you. And, by the way, we’re back live on Facebook each Sunday morning at 10:30 am and later in the day on YouTube!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.