lead your heart – Moment to Moment (Bible blog)

But I…

And they return at evening, snarling like dogs
and prowling around the city.

They scavenge for food;
they growl if they are not satisfied.

But I will sing of your strength
and will joyfully proclaim
your faithful love in the morning. (Psalm 59:14-16)

Again, I wonder at David’s ability to lead his heart, even with Saul’s “dogs” seeking to take his life.

I’m sure they growled with dissatisfaction at being unable to kill him. (1 Samuel 19:11-15)

David had every reason to growl himself. Treated unfairly. Forced to live on the run. Wondering when God would keep his promises to make him king.

Yet in contrast to the “dogs,” he said, “But I…”

“But I choose to sing of your strength, Lord.”

“But I will joyfully proclaim your faithful love in the morning.”

I don’t want to be a “growling dog” no matter my circumstances. No matter what evil I see in this world.

I want to continue leading my heart to worship and trust my Lord.

Lead your heart

It always impresses me how in these two psalms, the psalmist doesn’t simply follow his heart and emotions. He leads them to trust and hope in God.

On one hand, he says, “I am deeply depressed.”

His immediate response? “Therefore I remember you. (Psalm 42:6)

And you see that kind of pattern throughout these two psalms.

No less than three times, he says,

Why, my soul, are you so dejected?
Why are you in such turmoil?

Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him,
my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5)

Looking at this messed up world these days, it’s so easy to simply follow my emotions and get all worried and upset.

I don’t want to do that. I want to lead my heart and emotions to trust and follow God.

But for that, I need his help. And so I’m praying,

Send your light and your truth; let them lead me. (Psalm 43:3)