For the last few weeks, we’ve seen hearts nearly everywhere we look–on TV, social media, billboards, and in stores. Merchandizers made sure: none of us lived unaware that yesterday was Valentine’s Day.
But there’s another, more obscure place, where you’ll see numerous hearts all year ‘round—more than 500 of them. It’s the word “heart” in scripture.
And God wants to be sure none of us live unaware: his heart brims with love for us, not because of who we are, but because of who he is [1].
Such statements assuring us of God’s love appear nearly 300 times in the Bible.
And many of us find our hearts responding in love for him, the One who provides abundant life now and eternal life with him in heaven yet to come [2].
But how do we demonstrate love to an invisible Being? A good place to begin is spending time with him, in his Word and in prayer.
Scripture includes a number of prayer-prompts related to our hearts—that is, our innermost being that includes the intellect, will, and emotions.
For example:
STRENGTHEN my heart, O God, to face whatever this day may bring. Keep me mindful that “your power reaches its peak at the lowest point of adversity” [3].
ATTUNE my heart to yours so that my desires match yours. Remind me: as I spend time delighting myself in you, the love-bond between us grows stronger, as well as my delight in your ways [4].
TRANFORM my heart by changing the way I think. May your truth clear away my confusion, doubts, and fears, to be replaced with your assurance, clarity, and peace [5].
INCLINE my heart toward the righteous and trustworthy instruction of your Word, so my decisions and choices flow out of your heart’s desire for me [6].
SEARCH my heart, O God, and reveal those sins that lurk in the corners—improper thoughts, negative attitudes, faulty motives—so that I might confess, repent and be right with you [7].
FILL my heart with your joy and peace. Then there’ll be no room for worry, discontentment, or frustration. Instead, I can overflow with hope because you, my sovereign Lord, are in control of all things [8].
IMPACT my heart, O God. Take away my stubborn heart and give me a new heart that desires above all to be faithful to you. Then I’ll find your favor surrounding me like a shield [9].
ENLIGHTEN my heart with understanding of who you are, with all your glorious attributes. May such understanding form a firm foundation of contentment, so no matter my circumstances I can rest in your goodness [10].
DIRECT my heart to heed your guidance each day [11]. Help me to see the people around me with your eyes of compassion, to listen with your ears of discernment, speak your words of wisdom, and work with your hands of mercy.
In the powerful name of Jesus, I pray all these things. AMEN.
And what will be the result of such a prayer?
Our hearts will be SATISFIED as we allow God to:
S trengthen,
A ttune, and
T ransform our hearts,
I ncline,
S earch, and
F ill our hearts
I mpact,
E nlighten, and
D irect our hearts.
Praise God, he satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good [12]!
[1] 1 John 4:10, 19
[2] John 10:10; 3:16
[3] Psalm 73:26; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Charles Stanley, Advancing through Adversity, 76.
[4] Psalm 37:4-5; 119:24
[5] Romans 12:2 CEV
[6] Psalm 119:35-36, 138 ESV
[7] Psalm 139:23-24; Psalm 51:10
[8] Romans 15:13; Psalm 115:3
[9] Ezekiel 36:26 CEV; Psalm 5:12 HCSB
[10] Ephesians 1:18; Psalm 23
[11] Proverbs 23:19
[12] Psalm 107:9 NHEB
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I love this post! I have been dealing with fearful thoughts and when I read “Transform my heart to change the way I think,” it spoke to me!
Thank you, Lori. Praise God this ministered to you today–that blesses MY heart!
I really needed this reassurance and encouragement today, Nancy. Only God can and will satisfy our hearts with good things if we let Him in. What a good, good Father!
Blessings!
AMEN, my friend! He is a good, good Father indeed.
Wonderful post in this month of Valentines! It is God who fills our hearts with all good things! Wishing you blessings…
Thank you, Linda. I wonder, if we started to list all the good things God provides for us to enjoy, just how long our list would become?! You’ve reminded me of a delightful verse in Psalm 31: “How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you.” Such a glorious promise!
I love the helpful ways you’ve shown to foster a loving heart using scripture and prayer. The summary you made by choosing words for each of the letters of “SATISFIED” as a result of prayer is a wonderful reminder. Thank you, Nancy! 🙂
I’m so glad you found the post meaningful, Nancy. Praise God for his inspiration!
Nancy, this is beautiful. It’s so “heartfelt” and full of encouragement and all the ways that only God can SATISFY our hearts! Thank you for sharing God’s love in such a poignant and helpful manner! The scriptures are encouraging and many, are my favorites! I appreciate all you do to spread his love through your wisdom and sincerity! ❤️
Thank you, Karla for your kind comments and encouragement. Praise God for his inspiration. This post presented particular challenges, but he saw me through a rigorous revision effort!
It’s my pleasure, Nancy! A blessing! I understand about the challenges, Nancy. It’s been happening to me with my writing. It makes this even more a blessing!
Our heart can only be fully satisfied when we choose to fill it with Him!
What a perfect summary statement, Alicia–in only 15 words!!😁
A lovely post, Nancy! I especially appreciate the prayers using Scripture. Powerful words. May we keep our hearts in tune with the Lord and His great love for us. ♥️🙌🙏🤍
Amen, Bridget–Nothing could be better than keeping our hearts attuned to our loving Father!
Nancy,
May we all experience the heart of God flowing out towards His people. That’s a guarantee.
Thank you, Gary
Gary Avants Forbear Productions * *garyavants66@gmail.com garyavants66@gmail.com
When our hearts are in the right place, the out-flow is a natural outcome!
I am satisfied with our God as my heart responds to His precious for me Great post, my friend. Thank you for the encouragement
You are so welcome, Brenda. You’re right: when we focus on God’s love and all he’s provided for us, especially in the spiritual realm, we DO find our hearts responding with gratitude, praise, and love in return.
Amen, Nancy. l love that God showers us with His love, but even more than that I love that God is Love.
And now it’s my turn to AMEN your comment, Linda. Indeed, without his love we’d be doomed to horrific despair!
Only God can satisfy the longing of our heart! Thank you, Nancy for this encouraging post!
You’re welcome, Pam. So glad you found encouragement here. As always, I must praise God for his inspiration!
Love the acronym, Nancy!
Thanks, Mitch! It was a challenging but fun exercise to fit the scriptures and the specific verbs into a meaningful acronym. Then God brought me to Psalm 107:9 and the pieces began to fall into place!
Love these prayer. Yes yes if you watch for them, even outside of February, hearts are all around us!
Now that you mention it, I can see the truth of your statement: we DO have hearts all around us! I’m wearing a heart-necklace right now! 😁
Another meat-filled post, Nancy. Our hearts are what matters, across the board and in every area of life. Thank you for your time in compiling this blog and the heart-felt encouragement it is to me today!
So glad you found encouragement through this blog post, Patty. Praise God he does indeed satisfy the longing soul as we reach out to him!
Help me to love the way You love Lord. Even when it’s hard.
AMEN, RH!
What an encouraging post! The Lord has been working with me to change the way I think and I have been more joyful and depression has lessened considerably.
I have printed this out and will concentrate on each one of them, one day at a time. It’s a great tool and reminder of the many ways the Lord demonstrates His love for His children!
His sacrifice on the cross is the best valentine one could have and it is forever.
As I was reading through this I had a feeling an acronym was coming. Love it!
Praise God your joy has increased and depression has decreased! I’m so glad you found encouragement here, Cheri. You’re right: Christ’s expression of love at Calvary is the ultimate valentine. / It was quite the puzzle getting this acronym put together, but when God brought me to Psalm 107:9, the pieces began to fall into place!
Oh Nancy, what a beautiful collection of beloved “Valentines”❤️ I’ve saved it to print out and return to. Thank you.
Thank you, Deb. Praise God you found this post meaningful! That delights my heart.
Nancy, wow. Hundreds and hundreds. How could we ever miss the invitation God is giving us of Himself, His heart, His love. Thank You, Jesus.
Agreed! We can be downright foolish sometimes!
Reading this one slowly and thoughtfully was “heartwarming” for me, Nancy. 500 instances! I never would’ve guessed so high.
That fact surprised me too, Dave!