Why does it so often feel that our life in Christ is stumbling over rocks more than walking on water? Have you ever wondered why we still experience doubt as born again believers? And why would God, the great I AM, allow us to suffer through all these emotions? I'm convinced we're a people who live entirely too much out of our head space rather than our heart space. Knowledge isn't a bad thing, but it isn't the only thing worth seeking. Do you think it took all of Peter's gut wrenching courage or book smarts to step out of that boat and walk on the water? Yeah, me too. But trusting your heart isn't any easy task. Especially when we have verses like this thrown at us from the pulpit:
"The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" Jeremiah 17:9
I don't question this verse, I believe it holds truth in its proper context. But I also believe that after we accept Christ he begins to change our hearts through the power of His Holy Spirit. Not to say that in an instant all our past heartaches and troubles are over. But I can say from my own life experiences I have begun the journey to take back ground in my own heart. From sex to work to love God has moved mountains in my heart. The following verse has been a consistent prayer of mine for many years now:
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
When it comes to living more from our hearts I don't think there's anything to do but find/create space to be still. Embrace the moments of quiet space you have every day, and work to create some new quiet spaces in your life. Fight through the urge to "do" something when all you need is only to rest and trust. Don't be scared of doubt and fear, as those are totally natural to us humans. Arm yourself with Hope and fill your cup with living water. This, I believe, is how we become more in tune with our hearts. And over time our hearts will learn the drown out the distractions around us and focus solely on the One who created it.