The chasm between what I know and what my heart believes.
I know the words, but does my heart believe them enough to fulfill them. I’m singing the abc’s, but it’s just a catchy tune I keep reciting. Are my steps in sequence enough to make the words to speak the sentences…to guide my steps…to apply their truth?
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you”. (Psalm 119:11)
I know it, I quote, I might even hide it in my heart; but am I using it to not cause offense to him? Do I actually read the scriptures and apply them so that I do my best to live holy? I mean, isn’t that what the verse says. I’m holding on to your word and keeping it close to my heart for the purpose of doing my best to not sin against you.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”(Psalm 119:105)
I can quote it, but do I trust it? Have I put it in sequence with my daily steps so that those words have meaning.
If so, wouldn’t my steps be more secure and my direction more focused?
“Be anxious for nothing but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests..”(Phil 4:6)
I know it, I quote it….but how many times have I missed the application? Have I used the letters to make the words come to life? Or am I just reciting the alphabet? What meaning do the words have in my life if I’m not using them to fulfill their purpose?
When what my brain can recite starts coming together with what my heart believes, the scriptures start becoming more applicable. Living, breathing, almost tangible.
“For I know the plans I have for you”(Jeremiah 29:11), starts to look a lot like hope and I can see light shining across the chasm.
When Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9
“…therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses…”, it sounds a lot more like strength and grace than defeat. When I actually believe that, “His grace is sufficient for me”, I can walk in freedom. Live in liberty.
Phil 4:8, “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things”, this starts to breath instructions for peace.
You see, we know the scriptures and we quote them, but when they actually come alive in us they have the power to light the chasm.
The parable of the lost sheep, “he is happier about that one sheep than about the 99 that didn’t wander”, sounds a lot like hope and worth.
And the chasm from what I know and what my heart believes begins to fade as the truth of God’s word breaths life through the gap. And there, I’m free to live in the rhythm and the promise of God’s truth.
ABCDEFG…….