Prepare you Heart- why is this important?
One of our favourite simplistic designs on our bible verse based t shirts, apparel and accessories is a simple heart outline with the words, ‘Prepare your heart’.
The concept of heart preparation may seem abstract, its implementation is deeply practical. Simple practices such as prayer, meditation on scripture, and seeking wise counsel can help nurture a heart that is receptive to God's leading. Having a spirit of gratitude and humility encourages an attitude of trust and dependence on God's provision. The common string between these practices is that of action. You must make the conscious choice to pray, to meditate, to read the word of God and to witness.
In the tapestry of biblical history, King Jehoshaphat is a man whose life offers amazing insights into the power of preparing one’s heart. His story, recorded in the books of Kings and Chronicles, illustrates the impact of cultivating a heart that is in line with God's will and grounded in faith. There are many lessons we can glean from Jehoshaphat's example. Those lessons can resonate with our own quest for spiritual growth and resilience.
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, reigned during a tumultuous time marked by political issues and external threats. Despite the challenges he faced, Jehoshaphat remained steadfast in his commitment to seek God's guidance and trust in His faithfulness. Many times, he demonstrated the qualities of a prepared heart—faith, humility, and obedience—setting an example for his own people, as well as future generations to emulate.
Preparing the heart is not merely a religious exercise; it can be a transformative journey that shapes our character and outlook on life. A prepared heart serves as a wellspring of strength and resilience, this gives us the ability to navigate life's challenges with courage and grace.
Jehoshaphat's life is a testament to the power of a prepared heart in the face of adversity. When confronted with the odds stacked against him, he turned to God in prayer and trusted that God would be there for him. Likewise, we can draw strength from Jehoshaphat's example as we face our own trials, knowing that God is faithful to sustain us.
The story of King Jehoshaphat serves as a great reminder of the power of preparing the heart. While we reflect on his example, may we be inspired to nourish our hearts to be steadfast in faith, humble in spirit, and obedient to God's will. We can prepare our hearts with courage and conviction, knowing that God is faithful to guide and sustain us each on our own journeys. A prepared heart can serve as an anchor, grounding us in God’s unchanging love and promises.