Two-minute read.
“Say to all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted?”
Zechariah 7:5
Pure heart.
Coming to God with a clean heart requires confession. God doubts the people’s sincerity in today’s passage. In His sovereignty, the Lord knows our heart’s condition. Instead of coming to Him with contrite hearts, the Israelites turned fasting into a ritual, feeling sorry for themselves because of their current life situation. Instead of obeying God’s word, they turned the spiritual practice into a religious form.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Psalm 139:23-24
Asking God to search our hearts will lead to revelations we may not like but need addressed. Accepting responsibility for our actions and owning our shortcomings allows us to live freely in Christ. The Lord doesn’t expect perfection from us, but He does desire honesty. Insincere fasting and praying only anger God, but coming to the Lord with moldable hearts that desire change pleases Him.
The Israelites grumbled before the Lord, not trusting Him for provision. What if we came before God and asked for nothing, approaching the King with hearts full of gratitude and love for the life He gives us? Instead of asking the Lord for this or that, we thank Him for what we already have. Cleansing and purifying our hearts makes us approach the Lord with humility instead of entitlement.
After my recent hospital stay, gratitude overwhelms me. Each morning, I awake with renewed purpose, knowing the Lord has plans for me. If He didn’t, I would have died. When we fulfill our calling on Earth, God calls us home. Living my life for the Lord, allowing Him full access to my heart, and letting Him guide my life fills me with joy. Writing for God humbles and excites me. Discovering each day’s purpose makes me live with a sense of anticipation for what the Lord will do. I don’t want to approach God’s throne with anything less than a pure heart desiring more of Him.
Let God search your heart today. Approach His throne with humility. Fast and pray with a pure heart, seeking a deeper connection with your Savior. Don’t let your walk with the Lord become a formality. Discover your purpose as you pursue the King; each day, a mystery to discover and enjoy.
Journal Questions:
- How can I apply today’s devotion to my life?
- When did you last let the Lord search your heart?
- What has God revealed to you lately?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your saving grace that loves us despite our sins. Search our hearts today and reveal any areas of sin we must address. Help us develop pure hearts with the right intentions set on You. As we fast and pray, let it draw us closer to You, helping us discover our purpose and fulfill the calling on our lives. In You, we can have life to the fullest. IJNIP. Amen
