In what ways can we "incline" our hearts to God's guidance today? Key Verse Psalm 119:36: “Turn my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain.” Understanding “Incline” - The Hebrew verb carries the idea of bending, stretching, or leaning toward something. - It implies an intentional repositioning of the will so that God’s words become the dominant influence (cf. Proverbs 2:2; 1 Kings 8:58). Why the Heart Must Be Inclined - The default pull of the flesh is toward self-interest (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18). - Spiritual attentiveness is never accidental; it requires deliberate choice (Deuteronomy 5:29). - An inclined heart is the channel through which the Spirit imparts wisdom and direction (John 16:13; Psalm 25:9). Practical Ways to Incline Our Hearts Today Daily Intake of Scripture • Schedule non-negotiable time with the Word; treat it like nourishment (Matthew 4:4). • Read aloud to engage both ear and heart—“Faith comes by hearing” (Romans 10:17). • Memorize key passages that speak directly to current needs (Psalm 119:11). Prayerful Dependence • Begin reading with a simple request: “Lord, bend my heart toward what You are saying.” • Pause throughout the day for two-sentence prayers, keeping conversation open (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • End evenings by recounting ways God guided; thank Him, reinforcing a heart posture of trust. Surrender of Competing Desires • Identify specific “covetous gain”—money, approval, comfort—that dulls spiritual appetite (Colossians 3:5). • Fast periodically from social media, entertainment, or meals; let physical hunger remind you to hunger for God (Matthew 6:16-18). • Replace each surrendered desire with a concrete act of obedience (Ephesians 4:22-24). Active Listening in Community • Discuss Scripture with believers who will challenge and encourage (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Submit to godly counsel when decisions arise (Proverbs 15:22). • Serve together; shared ministry tunes the heart to God’s agenda, not personal ease (1 Peter 4:10-11). Quick Obedience to Promptings • When the Spirit brings a verse to mind, act promptly; delayed obedience hardens the heart (Hebrews 3:7-8). • Keep a journal of promptings and responses to track God’s faithfulness and your follow-through (James 1:22-25). Cultivating Awe and Worship • Sing truth-filled songs that exalt God’s character; melody helps embed doctrine in the heart (Colossians 3:16). • Spend time outdoors observing creation; let wonder at His handiwork draw your heart upward (Psalm 19:1-3). • Regularly recount testimonies of answered prayer; remembrance fuels renewed inclination (Psalm 105:5). The Ongoing Choice Joshua’s call still rings true: “Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Each sunrise offers fresh opportunity to bend the heart toward God’s guidance, confident that He gladly directs those who lean in to listen (Proverbs 3:5-6). |
    |