In my yard, early spring buds are appearing on my flowering tree and lilac bushes while other trees still stand bare. One shows signs of life — a quiet reminder of new growth. The others show none — echoing the long, dry winter we have just endured.
God’s Diagnosis of the Heart
These contrasts bring to mind a divided heart. In Hosea 10:2, God diagnosed Israel with a divided heart and said, “Now they are held guilty.”
They were responsible not only for their divided heart, but for everything that flowed from it.
When my heart is divided, it could be said of me too that I am guilty — responsible. But my flesh resists responsibility. It wants problems to lie only with other people. They are the ones doing this or that. So I justify whatever is happening internally.
Yet it’s as if God is saying, “They’re not in charge of your heart. You’re responsible, not them.”
Guarding What God Has Entrusted
At the dawn of creation, Adam was entrusted with tending a beautiful garden. In the same way, we were designed to be stewards of many things — including our own hearts.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
It is the Lord’s work to change us, but it is our work to bring our hearts to Him for cleansing from unrighteousness and for washing of the water by the word of God. A daily choosing. A daily yielding. A daily bringing of our hearts to Him.
The Hope Found in Jesus Christ
Praise God for the work of the cross of Jesus Christ, which cleanses us, restores us, and sets us right again and again.
When I think of Jesus’ call to “come to Me” whenever difficulty threatens to divide my heart, I am drawn to consider which of His attributes I need.
His holiness — perfect and pure.
His omnipresence — always with us and always there for us.
His omniscience — always knowing what is wrong and what we need.
There are many more — all ours in Him as we come boldly to His throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
He is so very worthy of our whole, undivided hearts.
The contrast of life and barrenness I see in my yard — like a divided heart — points me again to this hope: all we need is found in Jesus.
