Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts. 1 John 5:21 (NLT)
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 1 Cor. 10:14 (ESV)
My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways. Prov. 23:26 (NIV)
Heavenly Father, these Scriptures remind us that the battle for our hearts is nonstop. Idols, wanna-be-gods, and “empty nothings” constantly crave our affection and trust. It’s a war that will continue until the Day you finish your “good work” in us (Phil. 1:6). Keep us wise, careful, and alive to the riches of the gospel.
Through the gospel, you’ve already taken away our stony hearts and have given us a new heart; and you’ve written your law upon our hearts and placed your Spirit there (Ezek. 36:26). You’ve also forgiven all of our sins, and have declared us to be guiltless and righteous in your sight. Thank you, and Hallelujah! So what does heart-idolatry look like is this season of life? What vies for your place in my heart? Heart-warfare is subtler than it used to be.
Father, I don’t find myself sucker-punched by the quest for more and newer material things, more power and authority, or more acclaim and applause by the world. Rather, the battle for my heart centers more on turning good desires into critical needs. Every time I make a desire a need, well… it doesn’t end well. What does this look like?
Father, I want what you’ve promised, but I want it now. I want to live in a world of no relational tensions and emotional conflicts. I want wolves and lambs to lie down together today. I want to wake up in a forever of no angry words and no sarcastic body language, no misunderstandings or need for clarifications, no unforgiveness and un-reconciled relationships. I want all nursing of grudges, fertilizing bitterness, and withholding grace to be things in the past. Indeed, I want what you’ve promised, and I want it now.
Father, that Day IS coming, and it’s called life in the new heaven and new earth. Until that Day, help me to live and love to your glory. Keep teaching me what faith expressing itself in love looks like. Keep me humble and gentle, present and expectant. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ big and beautiful name.
