Hi Friend,

How do we apply our heart to understanding? Remember we are call to “…apply your heart to understanding.” Knowing what “understanding” means helps us gain a handle on this process. In yesterday’s devotion we learned that “Understanding is the practical application of the wisdom or insight of God.” Now we need to define “heart”. In the Bible the word “heart” is the core of our being. It includes our mind, emotions, feelings, and will. It envelops our soul and spirit. It is the central command center through which the issues of life flow. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23

What our heart focuses on determines our direction and destiny! The passage tells us we need to take that focus/core of our lives and apply it to understanding. Ok, so how do we do that?

First the passage…

My son, if you receive (accept/take) my words and store up (hide) my commands within you, turning (inclining) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for wisdom (insight) and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then (and only then) you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

My Child, if you …turn (incline) your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,

The key to applying our hearts to understanding is the word “applying”. The word “applying” means to spread or stretch out something over a surface. Now reflect on the word order of the verse: “applying your heart to understanding” not applying understanding to your heart!

That means we are called to stretch out our hearts (our thinking, feelings, and choices) to embrace and live out God’s wisdom.  We are the one to be changed, not God’s word or wisdom. As we walk in God’s word and wisdom we begin to gain understanding. To live and do God’s word will stretch us. Stretching or being spread out can be painful. Following Christ is often resisted because it requires us to alter our thinking. Repentance (the changing of our minds to God’s direction) is a common experience for someone who is applying their heart to understanding.

So how is your direction today? Are stretching out your heart to embrace and live out God’s wisdom.  Are you applying your heart to understanding?

Observation: Key words: “Understanding is the practical application of the wisdom or insight of God.” “Heart” is the core of our being. “Applying” means to spread or stretch out something over a surface. “Repentance” is the changing of our minds to follow God’s direction.

Interpretation: Repentance will be a continual component of following on this Journey into the Word. Our ways are not His ways. Remember we are being made into the Image of His Dear Son (Romans 8:29). That will require the enlarging and stretching of our hearts to become more like Jesus.

Application Prayer: Lord, help us to allow the Spirit and Word to work in us so we will have grace to be stretched and molded to become more Christ-like. Thank you for choosing us and taking time with us to be fit for heaven.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

What is your take away?

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Thanks for listening. I trust you remember that our daily meditative journey is a process of how to grow deeper in Christ. Later on you will be meditating on passages chosen by God and using these principles to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your heart.

I hope you will pray for me and all the others that are on this journey. You may also want to send me comments, suggestions or questions. I promise I will respond to each inquiry.