“Death and Destruction lie open before the Lord—how much more do human hearts!”

In some of the training we do on influencing your world for Christ, I often talk about the fact that it didn’t take Jesus nearly as long as it takes us to speak into someone’s deepest needs because He could see into their hearts. For us, it often takes time to build a relationship before we can get a glimpse of where their heart is hurting. I’ve often said how nice it would be to be able to see right into someone’s heart so we could almost immediately speak Jesus into that place. However, as I ponder this verse from Solomon, I realize it would be a tremendous burden to see into others’ hearts. God can see and knows exactly what is in our hearts, and He can address those needs through His perfect love and wisdom. If we could see into another person’s heart, I believe we would often be overwhelmed with sadness and feel helpless. I think the reason God has us build relationships before discovering those deeper needs is because, by then, we are invested in who they are in a much greater way than simply catching a glimpse of their hurt and pain. When we truly love someone the way He does, we want to help ease their pain or at least point them to the One we know can. When you struggle with sin, loneliness, or other difficult things, you can take comfort in knowing that God not only sees your actions and failures, but He also sees every part of your story that has made you vulnerable to them. Today, remember that you walk openly before God, and find peace there. #BeTheEdge

“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” Jeremiah 17:10 (NIV)