…your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV
“Mamaw,” Kara asked me, “is Jesus really in my heart?” Tapping on her little chest, she asked again, “I mean, in my heart?”
Kara, our granddaughter, was about nine-years-old and visiting our Tennessee home from North Carolina. At bedtime, she said she had some questions for me. She said, “You can get your Bible if you need to.” She had never before asked deep questions.
I wondered how I could explain to a child that Jesus being in her heart meant that she had accepted Jesus into her life as her Savior (which she had). Yet, I felt I needed to go a little further and tell her that everyone has a body (you know– skin, arms, legs, head). We also have a soul (the same as our heart) which includes our mind, will, and emotions. Then, everyone has a spirit (their awareness of God).
I explained how we decide in our heart to ask forgiveness for our sins and serve Jesus, and our spirit comes close to God’s Spirit to help us learn about God. We say that Jesus is in our heart because our mind and will (our heart) made the choice to serve Him. She comprehended the best she could for such a young age.
God led the children of Israel on a long journey in the wilderness for several reasons. One of those reasons was to know what was in their heart. He already knew their hearts, but He wanted them to understand that their hearts were selfish and full of rebellion.
When Jesus is in your heart, your spirit is alive and aware of God daily. He inspires us to pray to the Father, hear His voice within us, and obey His commands. Do you know what is in your own heart? Look deep.
Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Visit Phyllis’ web site: http://sanctuaryofhope.us Read Phyllis’s devotions.