In my church, recently, we’ve been talking a lot about not simply following our hearts and going wherever it takes us, because there are times our hearts will take us in the wrong direction. Rather, we are to lead our hearts to follow God.
That’s important because in a broken world, it’s easy to get cynical.
That’s how the Jews were. They had returned from Babylon, the temple and city walls were rebuilt, and yet they still faced many problems as a nation.
As a result, they questioned God’s love (1:2), they questioned whether he was really a God of justice (2:17), and they questioned whether it was truly worth serving him (3:14).
And all this showed in how they treated God, dishonoring him (1:6-8) and robbing him (3:8-9). It also showed in how they treated their wives (2:14-16) and each other (3:5).
But not all were like this. There were the few who despite their circumstances, despite what others were doing, continued to lead their hearts to trust the Lord.
They chose to believe God loved them. They chose to believe he will eventually bring justice to this world. And they continued to faithfully serve him.
The result?
The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name.
“They will be mine,” says the Lord of Armies, “my own possession on the day I am preparing.” (Malachi 3:16-17)
Are you getting cynical towards God when you see all the problems in this world and in your own life?
Will you choose to lead your heart and trust him?
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 