Half-Heartedly
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Nehemiah 12:27-47 and Psalm 119:33-40 (NIV)
(Tho Lye Sam, LPC Chairperson)
READ:
For this devotion, I focused on Psalm 119:33-40 and the following verses stood out for me:
V34: Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart
V36: Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain
V37: Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word
OBSERVE:
As I read these verses, I see how much the psalmist wants to understand and follow God’s laws with all his heart. This reminds me that understanding the Bible isn’t just about head knowledge, but about letting it transform my heart and character. The phrase “obey it with all my heart” in verse 34 hits me. I realise there are times that I follow God’s commands half-heartedly, drawn away by worldly desires or things that are difficult to let go of. Yet, living according to His Word can deepen my relationship with God and lead a life that truly honours Him.
APPLY:
Reflecting on the psalmist’s call for wholehearted obedience, I am challenged to examine areas where my obedience has been half-hearted, and take deliberate steps to fully commit to obeying His commands, allowing His Word to transform my heart and guide my actions.
I pray for the Holy Spirit to instill wisdom in my heart, helping me to identify and remove these distractions. By seeking God’s guidance, I can better discern what truly matters and focus on living a life that reflects His love and wisdom.
DO:
I will:
- practice surrendering my worries and control over all circumstances to God, trusting that He has a plan for me,
- cultivate a heart of gratitude for God’s blessings, which can shift my perspective from focusing on my circumstances to being thankful for His goodness and providence.
PRAY:
Thank You Lord, for Your unfailing love and patience with me. Forgive me for the times when I did not obey You wholeheartedly, distracted by worldly desires. Grant me the strength to turn from selfish pursuits and find joy in Your ways. Guide my decisions with wisdom and discernment, aligning my choices with Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
