In what ways can we make God our "heart's highway" today? Setting the Scene “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” (Psalm 84:5) The psalmist pictures a heart so directed toward God that it becomes a well-traveled roadway—an inner highway leading straight to Him. How can we clear, pave, and keep that highway open today? Clear the Debris: Repentance and Surrender • Ask the Spirit to expose whatever blocks the road—sin, bitterness, unbelief (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confess quickly and specifically (1 John 1:9). • Surrender stubborn areas to God’s rule; a yielded life keeps traffic flowing (James 4:7-8). Lay Firm Asphalt: Scripture Saturation • Read it daily; treat the Word as roadbed, not roadside scenery (Psalm 119:97). • Memorize and meditate—each verse laid down is fresh pavement (Psalm 119:11). • Let Scripture direct choices; obedience is proof the highway is open (John 14:21). Keep the Lines Painted: Continual Prayer • Talk with God throughout the day; short, honest prayers keep lanes clear (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Listen in silence; a highway needs both on-ramps (speaking) and off-ramps (listening) (Psalm 46:10). • Pray Scripture back to Him; it re-aligns the centerline (Jeremiah 15:16). Install Road Signs: Worship and Remembrance • Sing praise privately and corporately; worship reminds the traveler where the road leads (Psalm 34:1-3). • Mark God’s past faithfulness—journals, testimonies, milestones (1 Samuel 7:12). • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly; it roots the journey in Christ’s finished work (1 Corinthians 11:26). Light the Route: Fellowship with Believers • Gather consistently; shared worship is highway maintenance (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite accountability; friends help clear spiritual potholes (Galatians 6:1-2). • Serve side-by-side; teamwork widens the road for others (1 Peter 4:10). Trim the Overgrowth: Guard the Heart • Filter what enters through eyes and ears; worldly clutter narrows the lane (Proverbs 4:23). • Cultivate gratitude; complaints are weeds on the shoulder (Philippians 2:14-15). • Pursue holiness; purity keeps the highway the “Way of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8). Drive in the Right Direction: Fix Your Eyes on Jesus • Let Christ be both destination and companion (John 14:6). • Set mind and affections “above” (Colossians 3:1-2). • Run with perseverance, “fixing our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Open Lanes for Others: Witness and Compassion • Share the gospel; invite fellow travelers onto the road (Matthew 28:19-20). • Practice mercy; kindness smooths the way for hurting souls (Micah 6:8). • Live noticeably different; a well-kept highway draws attention to its Builder (Matthew 5:16). Regular Inspection: Spiritual Self-Examination • Ask, “Is my heart still God’s thoroughfare?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Welcome correction; tune-ups prevent breakdowns (Proverbs 12:1). • Re-align whenever drift appears; grace provides unlimited U-turns (Lamentations 3:22-23). Destination and Delight Making God our heart’s highway is not merely about activity but orientation: every spiritual discipline points our affections toward Him. As we clear, pave, and guard this inner roadway, we taste the blessing Psalm 84 promises—strength for today and joyful anticipation of seeing Him face to face. |
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