Devo 13: Put your heart in His Hands

Proverbs 21: 1-2


The Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of living water; He turns it whichever way He wishes. Every way of man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts.

I remember the first day this verse came alive to me. It was during an internship and I was sitting by myself at a water fountain downtown. I was struggling with issues in my heart—love, trust, likes, desires.

I was writing in my journal and praying. Frustrated, I put my head down in my hands and only a few moments later, I heard a man speaking. He said, “Can I pray for you about something?” I looked up to see a forty-ish man in a workman’s uniform with a hat and sunglasses.

Surprised partly because of pride, I said, “Well, maybe.” I couldn’t believe someone was ministering to me because I had been walking around looking for someone to tell about Jesus. He didn't know me—I had never seen him in my life…I was a bit hesitant to speak, but he jumped in and said, “Well, I think a perfect verse for you is Proverbs 21:1-2—that your heart would be in the hand of the Lord to turn whichever way He chooses—for Him to protect it and keep it safe…”

He went on to read my mail about several things the Lord had been speaking to me. He prayed for me, then he left. I’m still not sure if it was a man or an angel…

Since that time, I have made Proverbs 21:1-2 a constant prayer.. “Lord, protect my heart. Turn it in the way you choose.” When I pray it, I envision my heart actually being in the Lord’s hands. I see Him holding it.

Then, I see a picture of a sailboat, and I imagine that it is my heart—emotions, mind, will, desires—and I see Jesus behind the steering wheel turning it—keeping in from rocks and running up on land, etc…Sometimes though, He drives it straight through a storm. He might let it scrape the edge of a rock or almost tip over in the waves, but only to refine my trust in Him that He can truly drive it.

It is so difficult to love and trust and make yourself vulnerable—to anyone, especially God. We have been hurt so many times. However, true intimacy with God is allowing Him to have your heart—to direct it and guide it. It takes complete trust, but He is faithful. He knows our hearts better than we do.

I challenge you to make this a prayer and a practice in your life—not just for one week, but for the rest of your life. Pray, “Lord, I trust you to have my heart. Hold it in your hands to turn whichever way you choose. Give me discernment about how to carry my heart with people. Let me love them as you would love them, yet help me to protect it as a precious, fragile gift for the One, True King.”

Blessings.

Amanda

Copyright © 2010, Amanda Rich, All Rights Reserved