Follow Your Heart

Follow Your Heart….

Often throughout our life, we hear our peers say to us “follow your heart”. We’re never willing to take a second thought. Often times these decisions that people allow their heart to make for them lead them into destruction. Sometimes events so tragic as leaving a spouse for another, just because it “feels” right. Or buying an item we really can’t afford, just because “we deserve it”, or possibly even receiving a gift, just “knowing it is a blessing”. We must know that our heart is ever so capable of misleading us. These heart lead decisions are often to root of a path unwinding to no good.  Why is it then, that we are still so foolishly willing to allow our heart to lead us? The world has us so convinced that we should follow our hearts and do what makes us happy. It isn’t about instant gratification; it’s about following the still small voice of the Lord, and waiting patiently upon Him.  Isaiah 40:31 says: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

I often encounter situations where I feel confused. I pray to the Lord for discernment, and then become frustrated because I follow my heart, and it misleads me. It is so difficult sometimes to discern that “gut feeling” which IS the Holy Spirit guiding you, and your “heart feeling” which IS your flesh telling you what you want, or what will make you feel good. Sometimes following the Holy Spirit is hard, it carries you through life journeys the long route, or the tough route. The amazing-ness of the Holy Spirit, is no matter how long the journey, or how difficult, you will not be alone! He is there with us every step of the way. We have to learn to recognize Him, lean on Him, and Trust in Him. God gives us wisdom, it is a gift and we are to use it. 1 Corinthians 2:12 (read 1 Corinthians 2:6-16)

I encourage you today to gain wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Seek from the Lord. If it feels right in your heart, but does not settle in your gut, ask the Lord if that is His Spirit speaking to you. Trust him, even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it hurts. You will reap the reward. It may not be today, it may not be in your timing, but it will be in His.

Hebrews 4:12 says: For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

“It judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart!!!” Well, it doesn’t get any more clear than that, does it? Guard your heart against the things of this world, search the Holy Spirit and He will dwell in you.

The next time you’re encouraged, or feel as if you should “Follow your Heart” pray to the Holy Spirit. Be cautious to listen for the Lord. And if you make a mistake, pick up the pieces and move forward. God is Merciful!