Words of Hope Daily Devotional
A United Heart
Read: Psalm 86
Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name. (v. 11)
The heart is vital to our bodies. In a lifetime of 70 years, it will pump more than 51 million gallons of blood. Likewise, the spiritual heart is the core of our whole person. When our hearts are committed to God, our lives are full; but when they are divided between competing desires, we face distress.
In Psalm 86, challenged by a heart divided between worldly matters and God, David prays to be wholeheartedly committed to God and to live each day guided by his truth and faithfulness. He prays for a united heart (v. 11) because he realizes if his heart isn’t focused on God, he’ll stray from being devoted to God. God wants us to ask for help to walk in his truth (v. 11). He’s ready and willing to give it and his grace, mercy, love, and forgiveness. Faith and trust in God alone will give us strength and hope that his help will come to us as we call out to him.
Amidst despair, it’s good to know we’re not alone; that we have someone to turn to in distress. Sooner or later, we all realize we need God’s help. He uses the challenges we face to pull us to him and build up our security in him. Prayer fuels our trust in God. Through it, he will unite our hearts and help us regain the hope and peace we’ve lost.
As you pray, ask God to unite your heart and help you walk in his truth.
About the Author
Ariana D. Den Bleyker is a Pittsburgh native currently residing in New York’s Hudson Valley. She is the author of two devotional poetry collections,To Be Held by the LightandWaking in the Light. She is an ordained deacon in the Reformed Church of America.
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