If you have ever loved someone, whether it be a friend, a parent, a child, or a spouse, perhaps you have said this: “I love you with my whole heart!”  These words indicate that we love with our whole being, with everything we have within us.  We use these words to let our loved one know that we will do anything, or almost anything, to show our love and bring joy to that person. 
 
However, this feeling can waver and fade over time.  It takes effort to keep love alive, fresh and real. Spending time with each other, keeping the lines of communication open, deferring to the other’s preferences, and quickly forgiving are ways to keep that love growing and healthy.
 
The writer of Psalm 119:145-152 says similar words when calling out to God for help.  He says, “With my whole heart, I cry out to you.” He is assuring God that with all that is within him, he loves and trusts God. The writer states this in several ways:

• He promises to obey (verse 145)
  
• He acknowledges the importance of communicating with God (verse 147 & 148)
• He declares God’s Word to be true (verse 141)
• He confesses that he has believed God for many years (verse 152)

 
We live in a time of uncertainty and confusion.  Is your relationship with God strong and growing so that you are able to live in victory over your difficult circumstances?  Are you able to say to God “with my whole heart” I promise to obey, I will spend time with You, I know Your words to be true? Do you trust God?  Perhaps, in the past, you were like the Israelites who continually turned their backs on God. But now, you are ready to change. Remember, Nehemiah wrote that God repeatedly forgave Israel.  Read Nehemiah’s words in chapter 9. Nehemiah 9:17 and 9:27-31.
 
God will quickly answer your prayer for forgiveness also. You may want to pray this prayer:
 
“Father, I know I have failed you in the past.  I believe Your Word.  I know it to be true.  I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died to take the punishment for my sin, and I ask forgiveness today.  I believe Jesus is reigning with You in heaven today.  Thank You for Your patience and forgiveness.  Guide me from this day forward. I say with the Psalmist: “with my whole heart, I cry out to you.”  Thank you for hearing me.
 
 
 “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding, keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4: 7

If you are like most people, you have felt inadequate and lacking in confidence at times. There have been many self-help books written to help us improve ourselves and grow in self-confidence. I have read some of these. One thing I have noticed is that they put the focus on “me.” They stress that I am the answer and solution to make things better. These books don’t give a complete answer to the problem.  When we add surrendering to God, our insecurities diminish.  Positive thinking and self-talk strategies go only so far for those who struggle with self-worth. These strategies can seem like good ideas that we should embrace, but only work for a while.  I looked up self-talk and could agree with most everything I read.  However, what I find distressing is that it is only part of the solution.  Much what the world communicates today provides only part of the answer.  Without the whole truth, without balancing these ideas with what God teaches in His Word, we get just half of the truth, which can lead us into believing lies.
 
Please take time to read these few verses. The author of Psalm 119: 137-144 writes from his personal struggles and pain.  Yet, he focuses on the joy and fulfillment that God provides.  The writer does not dwell on himself or his situations.  He names and proclaims, with a joyful and thankful heart, the attributes, gifts and even requirements of God.

• Righteousness 
  
• Faithfulness
• Promises
• Precepts
  
• Commands

 
Words such as precepts and commands conjure up thoughts of rules and limitations confining and limiting our freedom and happiness. Yet the writer realizes that obedience to God’s Word brings about its own liberty.  It brings freedom of spirit and eternal joy.
 
Each verse reflects the writer’s love and devotion to God’s Word. They reveal the fulfillment the author receives through scripture and the protection God provides through life’s situations.
 
My prayer is that God’s Word will fulfill the deep needs of your heart and life and that you will be able to declare God’s Glory through His Word.  
 
 
 “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding,
keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.” 
Philippians 4: 7

Have you ever had the privilege of holding the hand of a little one just learning to walk?  They hold on with all the strength their tiny hands can manage. They look up with trusting eyes, knowing that with every step they take, you will not lead them into danger but will keep them safe. God desires that same trust and devotion from us. 
 
Keep steady my steps according to your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me.  Psalm 119:133
 
The Psalmist asks God to keep his footsteps steady, not wavering off the right path.  He claims God’s promise to help and requests that God keeps sins from having control over him. 
 
In Proverbs 4:20-27, we read of God’s clear instructions that show us how to follow God step by step and avoid having sin take dominion over us.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
 
As you read the verses try to identify the steps to keep one close to the Lord.
#1 _________ Attention   verse 20               
#2 _________ God’s Word verse 21 & 22
#3 _________ My Affections verse 23
#4 _________ My Conversation  verse 24
#5 _________ My Gaze  verse 25
#6 _________ My Steps  verse 26
#7 _________ From Evil  verse 27
(Answers not in order:  keep, guard, watch, pay, know, control, fix)
             
COVID-19 could overtake our hearts and minds.  Don’t let it.  Focus on God’s Word daily, and He will guide you Step by Step.
 
 
 “May the peace of God, that surpasses all understanding,
keep your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.”     Philippians 4: 7