Dive Deep into Your Heart

Why Are You So Mad?, a devotional by Gregg Matte on Youversion

One of the hardest things to do in life is to examine yourself. In my experience, it is not easy. In the Psalms, we often read that the psalmist asks God to examine his 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

Knowing that God’s compassions are new every morning and that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence and find grace, allows us not to doubt God’s love for us. Having the assurance of God’s forgiveness gives us the strength to forgive others. 

Let me encourage you to dive deep into your heart. If you are, or have been angry, ask yourself today, “Why is it that I am angry? What has been the result of my anger? Who has been hurt because of it? Have I been giving the devil a foothold in my life?” Ask God to search your heart and to lead you in the everlasting way. 

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, today I lay down my hurts and fears. Help me understand why I am really angry. Help me to see the result of my sin, if it has been helping or hurting others. 

If I have hurt others, I ask for your forgiveness. I confess my sin against you, help me to forgive those who have hurt me. 

I do not want to give the devil an opportunity to hurt my relationship with you Lord, nor with others. Help me to forgive, I choose forgiveness. 

Jesus, teach me to understand your purposes, show me when your original intents are being challenged, and give me the strength to address the problem righteously.

Holy Spirit, please remind me not to let the sun set on my anger. Search me and if there is any offensive way in me, lead me in the everlasting way.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought of the Day

I can forgive others because I have been forgiven.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:23‭-‬24

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22‭-‬23

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16