The Shape of Your Heart
"Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23-24
Insight
Have you ever tried to describe the shape of your heart? Not the anatomical organ, but the spiritual center of who you are? It's not as simple as drawing the Valentine's Day symbol we're all familiar with. Our hearts are complex landscapes shaped by experiences, relationships, and most importantly, what we choose to trust.
I recently found myself organizing old photographs. As I sifted through memories captured in time, I noticed how different people and experiences had left their mark on me. Some photos brought immediate warmth and joy, while others stirred up forgotten hurts or regrets. It struck me that these reactions weren't just random emotions – they were revealing the current shape of my heart.
Think of your heart like a garden. Just as a garden's shape is determined by what's planted and how it's tended, our hearts take shape based on what we allow to grow there. The interesting thing about gardens – and hearts – is that they don't stay static. They're constantly changing, responding to both careful cultivation and natural forces.
Sometimes we avoid looking at our hearts because we're afraid of what we might find. Perhaps there are weedy patches of bitterness we've let grow, or once-beautiful areas that have become neglected. But avoiding self-reflection doesn't change the reality of our heart's condition – it only ensures that we remain unaware of the forces shaping us.
The good news is that God is the master gardener of our hearts. He knows exactly what shape our hearts should take, and He's patient in helping us cultivate them. When we partner with Him in this process, we begin to see transformation. Areas of hurt can become sources of compassion. Places of fear can be replanted with trust. Dead zones can spring to new life.
But here's the crucial part: we need to be active participants in this process. Just as a garden needs regular attention, our hearts require consistent monitoring and care. This means taking time to pause and really look at what's growing there. What relationships are we nurturing? What thoughts are we allowing to take root? What beliefs are we watering daily?
Understanding the shape of your heart isn't about harsh self-judgment or criticism. Instead, it's about honest assessment that leads to growth. When we see areas that need attention, we can bring them to God with trust rather than shame. He's not interested in condemning us for the current shape of our hearts – He's interested in helping us cultivate something beautiful.
This process of seeing and shaping our hearts isn't a one-time event. It's a lifelong journey of discovery, correction, and growth. Each day presents new opportunities to tend to our heart's garden, to pull out what doesn't belong, and to nurture what should grow stronger.
Reflection
What areas of your heart have you been avoiding looking at, and what might God want to show you about those spaces if you were willing to examine them with Him?
Think about the relationships and experiences that have shaped your heart most powerfully – are they currently leading you toward or away from who God created you to be?
Prayer
Loving Father, grant us the courage to honestly examine our hearts and the wisdom to see them as You do. Help us to trust Your gentle guidance as we identify areas that need attention and change. Thank You for being patient with us as we learn to tend to our hearts in ways that honor You and lead to authentic growth. Amen.