Lord of My Heart

 If you'd like to read the entire series in the order they were posted, scroll down to the bottom and "read up!"

Lord of my heart, whatever may befall me, rule over my thoughts and feelings, my words and action.

Whatever may befall me, rule over me.

I think that often we, especially those of us who are Americans, really have a hard time with the thought of someone "ruling over" us. Ever since those brave words of the Declaration of Independence were penned, we tend to see ourselves as a people who right it is to " throw off " foreign rule. We pride ourselves on being rugged individualists, pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps, and fighting our own battles. Deep down, though, we know that this is not just an American problem, it is a problem of every human heart. It is, as my pastor often says, "the religion we were born with."

The plea of today's phrase, "whatever may befall me, rule over me," is the cry of the one who, by the Spirit's call, through faith in Christ, has been subdued by the Sovereignty of God and the Kingship of Christ.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism Q and A 26 puts it this way:

Q26: How doth Christ execute the office of a king?
A26: Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Christ our Sovereign King subdues us by calling us to Himself, saving us by grace through faith, taking our stony hearts and replacing them with hearts of flesh, making us willing to serve Him.

Christ our Sovereign King rules us by writing His laws on our hearts, by causing us to grow in grace and truth and in His likeness, through the Word and by the Spirit.

Christ our Sovereign King defends us by protecting us. He is a shelter for us and a strong tower from our enemies. He protects and defends His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against her.

Christ our Sovereign King restrains evil and is triumphant over all His and our enemies. He has sat down at the right hand of God, waiting til His enemies are made his footstool.

He is our King and we are His subjects.

"He establishes in the hearts of His people a spiritual rule, even writing Hiw law on our inmost hearts, so that it becomes our delight to do His will. This is the reign of Christ in the hearts of His people."
Stephen R. Key

 
Unlike the King George III, He is a just and righteous King, and His rule over us is kind. Let us not chafe under His rule, nor try to have our own way. Let us look to the Sovereign Lord of our Hearts to rule over our thoughts and feelings, our words and actions.

Lord of My Heart

Finishing projects and tying up thoughts has always been difficult for me.  Maybe it's because I don't want my fun to be over.  Maybe it's because I regret letting go of undeveloped or underdeveloped ideas.  Possibly it's because it is hard and I'm lazy.  Likely it's because I'm a perfectionist.  (What?? You didn't know that?!?--think Hermione Granger.  Yep, that was me.)  Whatever the reason, I've struggled to bring this series to an end.  Today I have time and I shall finish it, one way or another.  In the meantime, I thought it a good idea to repost the prayer in its entirety.

Lord of my heart, give me vision to inspire me, that, working or resting, I may always think of you.

Lord of my heart, give me light to guide me, that, at home or abroad, I may always walk with you.

Lord of my heart, give me wisdom to direct me, that, thinking or acting, I may always discern right from wrong.

Lord of my heart, give me courage to strengthen me, that, amongst friends or enemies, I may always proclaim your justice.

Lord of my heart, give me trust to console me, that, hungry or well-fed, I may always rely on your mercy.

Lord of my heart, save me from empty praise, that I may always boast of you.

Lord of my heart, save me from worldly wealth, that I may always look to the riches of heaven.

Lord of my heart, save me from military prowess, that I may always seek your protection.

Lord of my heart, save me from vain knowledge, that I may always study your word.

Lord of my heart, Save me from unnatural pleasures, that I may always find joy in your wonderful creation.

Lord of my heart, whatever may befall me, rule over my thoughts and feelings, my words and action.

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, Save me from unnatural pleasures, that I may always find joy in Your wonderful creation.

God created us to reflect His image. The natural, God-given desires for pleasure that we possess were not in opposition to what the Westminster Shorter Catechism calls "the chief end of man"--to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  However, the fall changed all that. Our very natures fell in Adam and now, rather than glorifying God (1 Corinthians 10:31), the desire for pleasure brings forth all manner of sin.

James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Timothy tells us that everything God created is good and that, with thanksgiving, it is ours to enjoy for it is made good by the Word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4) but too often, we wish to spend the gifts that God gives us on our own pleasures, rather than the glory of God.

The difference is between seeking first the Kingdom of God and seeking pleasure--between worshiping God and idolatry of self.

Augustine got it right:

He loves Thee too little, who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake.

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, save me from vain knowledge, that I may always study Your Word.

This treatise, from Thomas Boston, is better than anything I could write on the topic of the importance of studying the Word of God.

 1. Because the way of salvation is to be found only therein, John v. 39. 'Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.' This is the star risen in a dark world, to guide us where Christ is. All the researches of the wise men of the world, all the inventions of men, can never guide us to Emmanuel's land, John i. 18. 'No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.' Here, and here only, the counsels of God touching man's salvation are discovered. And so, as salvation is the most necessary thing, the study of the scriptures, is the most necessary exercise. slight it, is to judge ourselves unworthy of eternal life.
2.It is the only rule of our faith and lives, Isa. viii. 20. 'To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them,' Eph. ii. 20. 'Ye are built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone,' Rev. xxii. 18,19. "I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.' The Bible is the pattern shown on the mount, to which our faith and lives must be conformed, if we would please God. The Lord says to us, as Deut. xxviii.14 'Thou shalt not go aside from any of the words which I command thee this day, to the right hand or to the left.' None can walk regularly unless they observe the rule;, but how can one observe it unless he know it? Matt. xxii. 29. 'Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.' God has given each of us our post in the world: the Bible is the book of our instructions; and shall we not study it ? The lawyer studies his law-books, the physician his medical books, and shall not a Christian study the book of the Lord?
3. The Lord himself dictated it, and gave it us for that very end, 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, For correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.' Rom. v. 4. 'Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.' And has the Spirit of the Lord written it, and will not we read it? Has he given it us to be studied by us, and will we slight it ? This must be horrid contempt of God, and ingratitude to him, with a witness. Whose image and superscription is this on the scriptures? Is it not the Lord's? Then take it up and read.
4. We must be judged by the scriptures at the great day, John xii. 48. 'He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.' That is one of the books opened, Rev. xx. 12. This is the book of the Lord's laws and ordinances, by which he will proceed in absolving or condemning us. I own God will go another way to work with those who never had the Bible. Rom. ii. 12. But know thou, that seeing it is in the country where then livest, though thou never readest a letter of it, thou must be judged by it. Is there not good reason then for reading the scriptures?

Thomas Boston

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law.

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, save me from military prowess, that I may always seek Your protection.

Psalm 20
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
 1 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble;
         May the name of the God of Jacob defend you;
 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary,
         And strengthen you out of Zion;
 3 May He remember all your offerings,
         And accept your burnt sacrifice.  Selah  
         
 4 May He grant you according to your heart’s desire,
         And fulfill all your purpose.
 5 We will rejoice in your salvation,
         And in the name of our God we will set up our banners!
         May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
         
 6 Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
         He will answer him from His holy heaven
         With the saving strength of His right hand.
         
 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
         But we will remember the name of the LORD our God.
 8 They have bowed down and fallen;
         But we have risen and stand upright.
         
 9 Save, LORD!
         May the King answer us when we call.

My natural response when being "attacked" is to step right up and fight my own battles.  You know how it is; you square your shoulders, take a deep breath, whisper a prayer, and then stand in your own strength.  Foolishness!

We have a Mighty God Who saves His people with the "strength of His right hand!"  The longer I am a Christian the more I am convinced that, not only do I NOT have the strength and wisdom to fight my own battles, I do not even have the wisdom to discern at times which side of the battle is righteous!

And the thing is, neither do you.  We all need to seek God's wisdom and His deliverance from situations that require any kind of personal defense.

Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, save me from worldly wealth, that I may always look to the riches of heaven.
 
Worldly wealth.   *grin*

It would seem as though the Lord has already saved me from that!  And yet as soon as that quip leaves my fingertips to magically arrange itself on my computer monitor, my grin fades. I realize that, compared to much of the world now and throughout all  the ages, I do have worldly wealth.  A comfortable home, two cars, warmth in the winter and cool in the summer, abundant food and clean water and a huge library and more worldly blessings that I can count.

But is it wrong to have those things--to enjoy those daily pleasures and privileges?  No, not really, for it is God Who bestows blessings upon His people.  They are to be enjoyed and appreciated and, acknowledging from whence they come, we should give thanks to Him.

There's more, though.  No matter how wonderfully God has blessed us in this life, there is more and we are to seek it:  

Colossians 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Worldly wealth cannot compare to  "the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Cor 2:9

Post Script:

Providentially, I read a post this morning called Explanations, by Antique Mommy, that addresses this very same subject.  I love it when that happens!

Update on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 10:31AM by Kim from Hiraeth

Still thinking about this. . .

Matthew 6:31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Too often, I think, we I fall into wrong thinking.  Too often we I think of Kingdom of God as the big and final "add on" when it is truly the first.  Rather, the things of this world that are to be thought of as those things that are added. . .

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, save me from empty praise, that I may always boast of You.

There is no room for boasting of one's self or one's own accomplishments in the Christian life. 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Have I done something/anything "praiseworthy?"  Who gave me the ability to do it?  Whose good works are they?  Who prepared the good works to begin with?  Who helps me to "walk in them?"

Any gifts or talents or strengths or knowledge we have have been given to us for a reason--to glorify Him. 

Philippians 2:13. . .it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 

As Kim from the Upward Call observed today:  My life is not my own. I was bought with a price. I realized what that means: my life isn't mine. That means that my decisions are to reflect what He wants, how I am to use what He gave me, and how I am to seek His will and not my own.

Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

 How Deep the Father’s Love for Us


How deep the Father's love for us, how vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son to make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life – I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything, no gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart – His wounds have paid my ransom.

Words and Music by Stuart Townend, 1995

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, give me trust to console me, that, hungry or well-fed, I may always rely on your mercy.

Believe it or not, this one was a tough one.  It was harder for me to get to the meaning of the verse as written.

If it had read:  "Lord of my heart, give me trust to believe, that, when hungry or well-fed, I may always rely on Your grace or Your provision," then I might not have had such a difficult time of it.  "Console, well-fed, and mercy"  just don't seem to go together in my brain.

Perhaps I could understand it if I re-wrote it in my own words?  "Lord of my heart, give me faith to believe, that no matter my circumstances, good or bad, I may always look to You and trust that You will not give me what I deserve, but rather, what I need."

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Thy Mercy, My God

    Thy mercy, my God, is the theme of my song,
    The joy of my heart. and the boast of my tongue;
    Thy free grace alone, from the first to the last,
    Hath won my affections, and bound my soul fast.

    Without Thy sweet mercy I could not live here.
    Sin would reduce me to utter despair;
    But, through Thy free goodness, my spirits revive,
    And He that first made me still keeps me alive.
    
    Thy mercy is more than a match for my heart,
    Which wonders to feel its own hardness depart;
    Dissolved by Thy goodness, I fall to the ground,
    And weep to the praise of the mercy I’ve found.

    Great Father of mercies, Thy goodness I own,
    And the covenant love of Thy crucified Son;
    All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
    Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.
    All praise to the Spirit, Whose whisper divine
    Seals mercy, and pardon, and righteousness mine.

 Words:  John Stocker
Music:  Sandra McCracken

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, give me courage to strengthen me, that, amongst friends or enemies, I may always proclaim your justice.

This is the call to evangelism. 

To proclaim His justice is to proclaim His wrath.  To proclaim His justice is to proclaim man's fearful state apart from Christ.  Every man's sin and separation.  Even your own grandpa's or your mom's, even your own child's.   We don't like to think of our unsaved loved ones as being separated from God and under His wrath, do we?  It takes courage from God Himself and a right understanding of Who He is, who we are, and what Christ has done on our behalf to overcome the fear of offending the ones we love the most with the news of God's justice.  It takes courage to tell the whole Gospel.

 The Gospel divides.

15 . . .we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the aroma of death leading to death, and to the other the aroma of life leading to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.

We can have courage and strength to speak of these things sincerely, for we speak "as from God, in the sight of God in Christ." 

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, give me wisdom to direct me, that, thinking or acting, I may always discern right from wrong.

For an empty-headed man will be wise, When a wild donkey’s colt is born a man.  Job 11:12

When will we, in our natural state, be wise?  When a wild donkey's colt is born a man!

In other words, never.  Wisdom is not something that we have inherently.  But is is something that we want inherently:

Eve desired wisdom.

Genesis 3:6  So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.

We all know what happened after that.  Eve desired that which was forbidden and looked to gain wisdom from the creation, rather than the Creator.

Solomon, too, desired wisdom:

At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?”
6 And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. 9 Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
10 The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.

 God was pleased with Solomon's request because he was asking for wisdom from the right source and for the right reasons.   And so God blessed him beyond measure.

11 Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, 12 behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. 14 So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

Psalm 9:10 “ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
      And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Let Not the Wise His Wisdom Boast

Let not the wise his wisdom boast,
The mighty glory in his might,
The rich in flattering riches trust,
Which take their everlasting flight.

The rush of numerous years bears down
The most gigantic strength of man;
And where is all his wisdom gone,
When dust he turns to dust again?

One only gift can justify
The boasting soul that knows his God;
When Jesus doth His blood apply,
I glory in His sprinkled blood.

The Lord, my Righteousness, I praise,
I triumph in the love divine,
The wisdom, wealth, and strength of grace,
In Christ through endless ages mine.

Charles Wesley. 1762

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Providentially, today's  Spurgeon Devotional is centered around the theme of wisdom, as is my daily chapter of Proverbs.  Follow the links to read more about this subject of wisdom.

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, give me light to guide me, that, at home or abroad, I may always walk with you.

Let the Light Stream In

O, let the light stream in,
The glorious light of day,
That o'er the face of nature sheds
A bright and genial ray;
We need its beams our steps to guide,
Ere daily toils begin,
Then open wide the door of prayer,
And let the light stream in.
Let the light stream in,
Let the light stream in,
Then open wide the door of prayer,
And let the light stream in.

O, let the light stream in,
The light of Gospel day,
That shineth through the righteousness
Of Christ, the Truth, the Way;
'Twill teach us how by faith in Him
Immortal souls to win,
Then open wide our willing hearts,
And let the light stream in.
Let the light stream in,
Let the light stream in,
Then open wide our willing hearts,
And let the light stream in.

O, let the light stream in
Where homes are dark and drear,
The light of God's eternal love,
That conquers every fear;
Its gentle smile new joys may wake,
Where sorrow long hath been,
Then open wide the door of hope,
And let the light shine in.
Let the light stream in,
Let the light stream in,
Then open wide the door of hope,
And let the light stream in.

--Fanny Crosby

Fanny Crosby, being blind, understood far better than most of us how important it is to depend fully upon the providential light of God to direct our paths.

It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me. 

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
         And He delights in his way.
 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
         For the LORD upholds him with His hand. 

The One Who orders our steps delightfully walks with us and upholds us with His hand. 

Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, give me vision to inspire me, that, working or resting, I may always think of you.

 The last six months or so have been challenging.  Worry, grief, and uncertainty over a situation has affected our family deeply.  Sometimes it is so easy to become discouraged, to be tempted to throw in the towel.  Looking at the present circumstances, it would appear that there is no hope of resolution.  So how does one keep the proper perspective and from whence does encouragement come and whence comes the hope and vision for the future in the midst of the trial?

2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

 2 Corinthians 2:16  Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

No matter how dark the times may seem, God is, through the trials,  working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  We cannot see those things that are eternal but God "who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

The eternal weight of glory--the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  Look to Jesus.  There is rest and hope. 

 Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;

    Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
    Thou my best thought by day or by night,
    Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

    Be Thou, my wisdom and Thou my true word;
    I ever with Thee, and Thou with me, Lord;
    Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
    Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one.

    High King of heaven, my victory won,
    May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heav’n’s Sun!
    Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
    Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Celtic Prayer: Lord of My Heart

Lord of my heart, give me vision to inspire me, that, working or resting, I may always think of you.

Lord of my heart, give me light to guide me, that, at home or abroad, I may always walk with you.

Lord of my heart, give me wisdom to direct me, that, thinking or acting, I may always discern right from wrong.

Lord of my heart, give me courage to strengthen me, that, amongst friends or enemies, I may always proclaim your justice.

Lord of my heart, give me trust to console me, that, hungry or well-fed, I may always rely on your mercy.

Lord of my heart, save me from empty praise, that I may always boast of you.

Lord of my heart, save me from worldly wealth, that I may always look to the riches of heaven.

Lord of my heart, save me from military prowess, that I may always seek your protection.

Lord of my heart, save me from vain knowledge, that I may always study your word.

Lord of my heart, Save me from unnatural pleasures, that I may always find joy in your wonderful creation.

Lord of my heart, whatever may befall me, rule over my thoughts and feelings, my words and action.

I saw this over at The Happy Wonderer this morning and it really captured my imagination.  As I read through it, scriptures came leaping into my mind. 

I thought it would make a good series of posts, so I'm going to be taking these phrases, one at a time, and adding scriptures and perhaps some of my own thoughts over the next week or so.  You can find them all by clicking the "Lord of My Heart" button in the sidebar.  Feel free to meditate upon these phrases along with me and leave your thoughts in the comments.