Have you ever drawn water out of a well using a bucket? If so, then you know that what is deep down in the well comes up in the bucket, both water and sediment, both clean and dirty. It is also true that what is deep within us also makes it way out. What is in our heart comes out in our actions and words, acting as our guide.   

While the heart might just be the most important organ in our body, in competition with our brain, it is likely also the most misunderstood. You’ve heard, probably even said, “Follow your heart.” There is some truth in that, doing what you love to do and charting your own course, not simply following some predetermined course laid out for you by someone else.

But a word of caution – the Bible gives us a very different viewpoint than just follow your warm and cuddly heart. In Jeremiah 17:9 we read “The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable – who can understand it?” Deceitful literally means “perversion of the truth.” Ouch, that hurts. Sure sounds different than follow your heart.

Jesus, in rebuking the Pharisees (the moral police of their day) after they asked about eating with dirty hands, said that it isn’t what goes in your mouth that makes you dirty, but rather what comes out; and what comes out comes from the heart. (Read Matthew 15:1-20 for the entire interaction.) Again, sure doesn’t sound like follow your heart.

So, is there any hope?

Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, and the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 3:11-15) says this in Proverbs 4:23- “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Literally, watch over your heart with vigilance. How? By being careful about what you do, what you say, who you hang out with, what you watch and read, on and on. But if your heart, and my heart, are in fact incurable, then how do we guard our hearts? It comes from the power of God’s Spirit living in you, and in me. It comes from a desperate cry to God for help!

David, after being confronted by the prophet Nathan about his adulteress affair with Bathsheba, and conspiring to have her husband killed as a coverup, said this in Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me.”

This should be our prayer every day, not just when we wake up, but all throughout the day as we get ready to face every situation that presents itself to us. You might be saying that you have the power to do it yourself. Well, let’s look at the Hebrew word used in this context for “create.”

Remember, your heart is incurable… incurable outside the power of God.

David knew that. “Create in me a pure (clean) heart.” The Hebrew word used here is “bara’.” It means to create, shape or form. You say that makes sense; I can do that. I can “bara’” my own clean heart. Not so fast.

This word “bara’” is found throughout the Old Testament. In every single case, God is the subject; meaning He is the one doing the creating. We see that same word in Gen 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created (bara’) the heavens and earth. In v.27 we are told that “God created (bara’) man in his own image; he (bara’) him in the image of God; he (bara’) them male and female.” This kind of creating is a divine creating; meaning it is God who initiates a clean heart in us.

So, today and tomorrow, and every day after that, will you make this your desperate plea – Oh God, help me guard my heart, and please, by only what only you can do, create (bara’) in me a clean heart, a pure heart, making my spirit right!

What is in your well?

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If you have ever driven on any road, whether it is an eight-lane interstate highway or a back country road, you know that you do not have to travel too far without encountering potholes and rough patches of asphalt or concrete. And not only that, it seems that some roads are always under construction. Those orange cones are as permanent as the landscape alongside the road. Sometimes the road construction project is so large that the road is closed and it requires us to take a detour, adding to the frustration.   

Despite the constant road repair projects, many roads are still in bad condition. Not only are many roads we drive on full of potholes and rough surfaces, life too has its rough and bumpy patches. Our path is often under also construction, requiring us to carefully navigate through the orange cones or get off at the next exit and take a detour. The confidence and peace you had as you were cruisin’ down the road listening to the radio has now turned to fear and worry, frustration and discouragement, hopelessness and despair.

Two truths can be made from the reality that life’s potholes and detours are unavoidable. First, Jesus tells us that following Him does not promise smooth travels. Let’s look at what Jesus tells His disciples when they were worried about what would happen after He left them. In John 16:33 we read this, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus makes it clear that life will not always be easy, but that He is bigger than any earthly pothole, and putting your trust in Him will give you peace and help you navigate, sometimes through and sometimes around, the pothole. This leads me to the second truth, and that being God is always with you. He isn’t like the car repairman that you only call when your car needs alignment after driving on roads full of potholes.

When God chose Joshua to succeed Moses in leading the people into the Promised Land, here is what He told them to calm their fears. Turning to Deuteronomy Chapter 31, in verse 3, God promises to give the people victory just had He had done in the past. Then in verse 6, we read these reassuring words, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” And in verse 8 we see a similar message, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

So, today, regardless of the condition of the road you are currently on, or what the road up ahead looks like, rest assured that Jesus is with you and that He can get you through any and every situation you encounter along life’s journey. Will you trust Him fully today?

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None of us need to go to the ends of the world to find someone who is hurting. All you need to do is look to your left or to your right, or possibly just in the mirror. I am sure that you know someone who is battling cancer or some serious medical problem, someone who is facing death or has just gone through the death of a loved one, someone who is unemployed or is in the midst of a family crisis, someone who is lonely or on the fringes of society for whatever reason. The oft-quoted saying goes like this, “Some days you are the pigeon, and some days you are the statue.” Right now, there is someone near you who feels like the statue.

My challenge to you is to find that person near you who is hurting or struggling, and simply be a friend. Most likely this person will not expect you to fix their problem or even have all the answers. All they want is an ear to listen, a hand to hold, a shoulder to lean on, to know they are loved.

The Bible is filled with verses encouraging us to help each other. Here is just one, found in Philippians that challenges us to imitate the humility of Jesus, the humble servant, who willingly gave up His life to serve the world – “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (2:3-4).

Just what does that look like in real life? Maybe like this: Once upon a time there was a hospice social worker who had a client who was dying. This elderly lady just loved the beach – the shells, sand between her toes, sounds of the ocean, smell of suntan lotion, and yes, even the seagulls – but could no longer go to the beach due to her declining health. So, this social worker took the beach to her lady, in a small glass jar with sand and shells. A day before this lady died, she asked her nurse to take the lid off the jar, so she could one last time breathe in the smells the ocean. Can you imagine the smile on her heart, the love she felt, moments before breathing her last breath! You see, it really is as easy as that.

So, here’s the deal. Invite someone over for a cookout, give them a bouquet of flowers, take them grocery shopping or to get a pedicure, get tickets to a ballgame, maybe go visit that person, or if you cannot visit, then call them. If they can’t go to the beach… take the beach to them. It is not what you do that matters. What matters is that you do something. Just show them that you care. Do something.

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 You are sailing along tending to your business when all of a sudden “out of the blue” comes a storm that capsizes your boat, messes up your well laid out plans, tosses your cherished comforts into the raging seas, and leaves you feeling helpless in the grip of the storm. You find out that your employer is going out of business and everyone is being laid off. You find needles in your child’s dresser drawer. Your spouse is found to be having an extramarital affair. A routine physical turns into a cancer diagnosis. A loved one suddenly dies leaving you feeling numb and empty. It is all you can do to make it through today, let alone find the strength and energy to think about tomorrow. 

Psalm 107 is one of the longest psalms. It begins like this – “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” The overall theme is a psalm of thanksgiving to the Lord for the purpose of making his wonderful deeds (v.8) known to all mankind. The psalm repeatedly shows the faithfulness of God despite the unfaithfulness of His chosen people, Israel. The psalm is split into seven sections, the verses below being the fifth section.   

“Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders” (vv.23-32).  

Amidst any storm you face, no matter how big or small, God stands with you and you can trust that He is still at the helm. In your sorrow and sadness, God feels your every hurt, and every tear is wiped away by His loving hands.

Every storm is a call to trust God. Every storm is a call to pray to the One who can both calm the storm and calm you as you feel surrounded by the storm. Every storm is a call to give thanks to God for His faithfulness and His loving kindness, regardless of the condition of your boat?  

So, what do you do when your boat capsizes?

Note: The oil on canvas work of art in this post is titled “The Gulf Stream” and was painted by Winslow Homer in 1899.

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During my high school years, that period of time when most of us think we know everything there is to know about life, one morning I gained a tremendous amount of wisdom in the most unsuspecting way. Let me explain. I frequently went to school early to workout with football or track and field teammates. Most mornings I grabbed a Pop-Tart and banana on the way out the door. Not quite the breakfast of champions, but it worked for me. My mother always bought the Pop-Tarts without frosting.

However, one particular week she bought the ones with frosting. So, on that fateful morning, as I did every morning, I grabbed the Pop-Tart from of the toaster on my way out the door. Except that morning, things were different… as I grabbed that toaster pastry, I immediately learned that hot frosting could cause second-degree burns in the palm on one’s hand! Now that is wisdom I carry with me to this day! I do not remember what I told my teammates about the wound on my hand, but I’m sure it had nothing to do with Pop-Tarts.

The Book of Proverbs is a roadmap to navigating life with wisdom, not just any kind of off the shelf wisdom, but rather through God’s wisdom. It regularly contrasts the wise and the foolish. Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, who according to Scripture is the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 3:11-15), says this in Proverbs 12:15 – “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise.” Elsewhere in that same Book, in vv.1:22-23, we are told that that the promise of God’s wisdom comes to those who seek it, but first it requires giving up the world’s mockery of real and lasting truth. [God’s wisdom comes to us through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).]

Just what is this wisdom that Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, reflects upon? I believe we need to look no further than the first five verses found in Proverbs:    

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young – let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance” (1:1-5).

Let’s look at a few key words –

–Wisdom (Hebrew: chokma) – skillful decision making. Think of that person who knows what to do when more than knowledge of some fact or compliance to some rule is required. 

–Instruction (musar) – training with proper accountability. Think of a parent or coach “getting in your face.”

–Insight (binah) – ability to differentiate. Think of that person who can pick out floral notes (aromas) in a glass of wine while someone else only tastes the wine.

-The words prudent behavior, prudence, and discretion all imply having foresight, knowing what results come from certain actions. Think knowing, or in my case, not knowing that heated sugar and corn syrup are extremely hot. 

-And in v.5 we see a call for the wise to add to their learning. In this context, the word learning (leqah) means to receive by acquisition. 

So, the wisdom of God is not gained though book knowledge or even street smarts. Instead, it is the Holy Spirit who provides us with true wisdom as we both fervently seek after God and gain a deep understanding of Scripture. Proverbs 1:23 says this – “Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise” (NLT).

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We are a society that tends to cheer someone only for the good they do, not necessarily cheer them for who they are. We are also quick to show disapproval of that same person, often simply because they failed to do something good. Think of a football game. We cheer wildly when a receiver outleaps the defensive player in the endzone for a one-handed highlight reel touchdown catch, but later in that same game, when the football glances off that same receiver’s fingertips for what would have been the winning touchdown, we are quick to voice our displeasure. One minute we consider that receiver the best player on the team, while minutes later we want him benched. We like (cheer) the player when he is “good” and we dislike (boo) him when he is “bad.”  Admit it, we are fickle; changing our affections frequently.  

We don’t cheer God because life is necessarily good or because our health or finances are good, or even because our current circumstances or the world around us are good. No, instead we offer our cheers to God simply because He is good. And because God is good, so too is God’s Son good. And because God is good, so too is God’s Spirit good.

The gospel writer John, who was a friend and cousin of Jesus, who saw Jesus hung on a Cross, who looked into an empty tomb, who saw a lifetime of struggle, who saw Paul and Peter persecuted and killed because of their faith, whom himself was persecuted and imprisoned for his own profession of faith, who saw a world filled with reasons to not believe Jesus had been who He said He was, who saw a world filled with division and hatred, said this in his old age… God is love (1 John 4:8). To read these words in context, vv.7-21.

And if God is love, if God is good, then Jesus must also be love, He must be also good.

How do we know? We know because Jesus tells us so. In the early part of His Farewell Discourse (John 14-17), Jesus said this in answering Thomas’s question of wanting to know how to get where Jesus was going- “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).

Philip, probably dazed and confused (like we often are), might have said “Say what?” In v.8 we read – Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

Jesus then questioned Philip (v.9a) – “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?” Has Jesus ever asked you that question?

Now back to my original premise and question. If God is good, then Jesus must also be good. How do we know?

I am sure Jesus looked Philip right in the eyes when He gave him a very clear answer- “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (v9b).

Any further questions Philip?

Life and life’s circumstances change, but God and God’s love, unchanging! –“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the Lord will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

So, today, make it enough to praise and worship (cheer) God, to fully trust Jesus, to be guided by His Spirit, not because they do “good” things for you, but rather, simply because they are good, they are love. Don’t be fickle when it comes to God!

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