“He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” – John 7:38 (NKJV)
Physically, the heart is the most important organ in our bodies. It is therefore necessary for us to take care of this organ, or we will encounter major health challenges that may even lead to death.
Spiritually, the heart is considered the centre of our lives, as it reflects our secret thoughts, our deepest choices, our moral character, and our true connection to God.
However, the heart we are born with is wicked (Jeremiah 17:9), and that is why Psalm 24:3-4 says to us that only those with clean hands and a PURE HEART can stand in the Holy place before God.
The Apostle Paul also reminds us that no good thing lieth in our sinful nature (Romans 7:18). Our hearts are full of negative emotions, anger, hatred, sorrow, oppression, grief, and the list can go on. We, however, must thank God that there is the possibility of having a clean heart due to the work of His Son, Jesus Christ.
1st John 1:9 (KJV) says, “If we confess our sins; He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all our unrighteousness.” A clean heart is given after our sin-torn heart has been washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. This one is filled with renewed and transformed thoughts through the workings of the Holy Spirit. John 7:38 tells us that out of our hearts will flow rivers of living waters. This clarifies what we read in Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV), “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life.”
Maintaining a clean heart is important to sustaining our relationship with God. So let us, at all times, keep our focus on Him and our hearts clean.
Prayer
Father, we continue to submit our hearts to You. Keep us clean through Your Word, O Lord, and help us to keep our focus on You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: John 15:4-5; Romans 8:38-39
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 119:113-120; Titus 3; Lamentations 1; Lamentations 2:1-6