Scripture: “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.” – Psalm 40:3
Observation: There is a great consistency in the writings of David. Whenever he finds himself in undesirable or dangerous situations, after he pours out his heart, he always returns to the truth that God loves him and will take care of him. It is understandable why God refers to David as “a man after mine own heart” (Acts 13:22).
Application: Letting God lead doesn’t always refer to giving up personal control over situations. Sometimes it refers to releasing something that is harmful to our spiritual lives and choosing to follow what God says in His Word. Sometimes we insist that we are justified with feelings such as bitterness, anger, etc., but Jeremiah tells us “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (17:9). The Bible also cautions against harboring these types of feelings as well. Here are four of those warnings.
- Bitterness
- “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” – Hebrews 12:15
- Jealousy
- “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” – James 3:16
- Anger
- “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9
- Hatred
- “He that hateth dissembleth with his lips, and layeth up deceit within him;” – Proverbs 26:24
By clinging to these types of negative emotions, we are choosing to follow our own hearts instead of God’s. We risk damaging our walk with God, destroying our testimony to others, and diminishing our own faith. So what can we do? Here are some practical solutions from the Scriptures.
- “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” _ Proverbs 4:23
- Our thoughts and emotions shape our actions and influence our lives greatly. Focus your heart on things that are positive, edifying to your soul, and glorifying to God.
- “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
- Our minds can fabricate lies that prohibit us from serving God and destroying our walk with Christ. Be aware of these types of thoughts and do not allow them to settle in your heart. Identify them for what they are and replace them with what you know is true.
- “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8
- Focus on those things that you know are true instead of speculating on the “what-ifs”, “I think…”, or “I feel…” Speculation is often the root of those negative thoughts; our minds seem to delight in building “mountains out of mole hills”!
This year, let God lead you through His Word because, unlike our hearts, it never deceives; it never leads you astray, and it never disappoints. Colossians 3:16 states, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Because the Bible is completely trustworthy, when we follow it, we will be rewarded with the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 promises, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Make 2026 the year of letting God lead and keeping your thoughts focused on the truths of His Word!
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the truth of Your Word. Please help me follow You each day, getting rid of the negativity in my heart and replacing it with Your love. Help me to meditate on the verses that will encourage me and enable me to serve You better. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.
You are the Potter, I am the clay;
Mold me and make me, this is what I pray.
Change my heart, O God, make it ever true;
Change my heart, O God, may I be like you.
(from “Change My Heart, O God” by Eddie Espinosa)
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“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32