A STRONG HEART

You know the difference between whole-hearted commitment and half-hearted commitment.  You see the difference on the football field, in the classroom, at your workplace, in your family, and we know the difference in our personal lives.  We can even be whole-hearted or half-hearted in our commitment to God and His instructions.  Some have a tendency to try to slide by in life, and with God.  But when we are only half-hearted in our commitment to God we lose lasting motivation, focus, purpose, a sense of God’s presence, and we can lose our way.  That’s why it’s so important to be all in for God.

In 2 Chronicles 16:9 we’re told The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him (NLT).  God will strengthen your heart when you’re totally committed to Him.

The word “strengthen” in this verse has several meanings.  It means “to prevail.”  Is there something in your life – maybe a bad habit or pattern or attitude or a worry that you want to prevail over, to conquer?  God will make it happen as you commit to be all in for Him.

The word “strengthen” means “to be courageous.”  Do you need courage – to obey what God says, or to say what you need to say in a particular relationship, or press forward even though it’s tough?  God will give you the courage if you decide to be fully committed to Him.

The word “strengthen” means “to be resolute.”  Do you need greater resolve to stick with that diet or exercise regimen or reading discipline?  God will increase your resoluteness as you step up your commitment to Him and His Word.

The word “strengthen” means “to be secure.”  Do you feel insecure about your future, your job, that relationship?  Are you living with worries and fears?  God will replace your insecurity and fear with His internal fortitude and reassurance when you choose to be whole-heartedly committed to Him.

God will give you these things.  He will work them into your heart and mind – if you’ll give your heart fully to Him.