DEVELOP THE FATHER'S HEART

“I meditate within my heart and my spirit makes diligent search” (Psalm 77:6).

On the last day of campmeeting, I heard a sermon that radically changed my life. It was actually a simple message on how Jesus could be formed within, “the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). The pastor spoke about the new birth and the changes it makes in our lives, but then he also said something quite startling. When you're converted, Jesus actually gives you His Father’s heart! That’s pretty amazing when you stop and think about it. For what kind of heart does the Father have? It’s filled with tenderness and love, it rejoices when the lost sheep is found and it even goes looking for him in the night. That same kind of love can be yours and mine.

But here’s the big question—is it something we really want? When was the last time you asked yourself that question? If you’re anything like me, you may love to read the Bible and other inspiring books. You may spend hours digging in the Bible and comparing one verse with another. But just because I read the Bible from cover to cover doesn't guarantee that I'll receive my Father's heart. I’m really convinced that we have to go deeper to find Him. We need to take time to make “diligent search” by meditating on the Scriptures.

 As I open my Bible each morning, I slow down and take time to ponder, What is God really saying to me? Or how can I put His Word into action? When I meditate, I’m not just reading about God, I’m thinking about Him. I’m asking Him  questions along the way until reading the Scriptures becomes more like a conversation between Jesus and me. And as I ask God these questions, we begin to commune together.

In many places in the Bible, the word ‘meditate’ is often translated as ‘commune’ or vice versa. They’re so closely connected, it’s impossible to separate one from the other (just as it's impossible to separate Jesus from His Truth).  They’re one and the same and intricately linked in building intimacy with God. 

As I ponder what God is saying to me in a certain verse or passage, the Holy Spirit speaks to me. Personally. And I'm not the only asking the questions. He does the same thing to me. And the question He asks the most is, “What is my Deep Purpose for you today?” But He's not asking me what my agenda looks like. He doesn't want t know if I'm planning to weed the garden or go shopping for groceries. God’s Deep Purpose involves much more than how I spend my time. It’s about who I am or what needs to be growing deep inside.

 I remember one time when the Spirit made this plain to me. I was reading Psalm 101:2—“I will walk wisely in a perfect way. Oh, when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.” Now as I read those words, I could easily remember the many mistakes I’ve made at home—the angry words I’ve said, the times I’d jumped to wrong conclusions, the time I've wasted. How can I walk perfectly at home when I’m so terribly flawed? But it was those words that began my conversation with Jesus—not as a justification for my sin but as someone desperate for answers.

As I stopped long enough to wait on the Lord, the Holy Spirit asked me another question, “Who is perfect in love and righteousness? Is it you?” And then He brought back a Scripture that I read just the other day, “As for God, His Way is perfect; the Lord’s Word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him” (2 Samuel 22:31). 

And that’s when the light went on! I can’t walk in my house with a perfect heart because my heart isn’t perfect. The Bible says it’s “deceitful and desperately wicked” (Jeremiah 17:9). So if I “listen to my heart” I’ll think everything is okay between me and God when it really isn’t. I won’t be able to see what’s really missing or how far I’ve wandered from Jesus.

 I need God’s heart to live God’s way.  I need His Word formed within, or as David says, I need truth formed in the inward parts, for “in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom” (Psalm 51:6). God performs His life-changing work as I allow Him to plant His Word in my mind. Through His Word I’m born again (1 Peter 1:23). And through His Word my mind is renewed—totally transformed—so I can experience the will of God in my life and walk in the steps that Jesus walked.

As I meditate on God’s Word, it becomes more operative in my life. I see it working. It’s easier to hear His still, small voice speaking to me personally. And I’m starting to discover the presence of Jesus in a way I never have before. When I listen intently to God’s Spirit in meditation, I have a sense like Jacob did after he had his dream at Bethel. I can truly say, “Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16)

I don’t think this experience is reserved only for patriarchs and prophets. God wants to be intimate with you. He wants to be intimate with me. “It is the privilege of every Christian to enjoy the deep movings of the Spirit of God. A sweet heavenly peace will pervade the mind, and you will love to meditate upon God and heaven. You will feast upon the glorious promises in His Word” (Messages to Young People, pg. 132).

Dear Father, slow me down today. Slow me down, so that I can digest what You’re  saying in Your Word. Help me  to discover what Your Deep Purpose is for me---where I am in my journey with You and what I need exactly to have Your heart. In Jesus’ Name, I pray. Amen.