Many times, I've said I care about one thing, but when I think about it, my actions, feelings, and thoughts show something else. For example, I might say I care about exercise and staying healthy. Yet, when I look inside, I want to eat ice cream and skip morning exercise. So, my actions, based on my thoughts and feelings, don't show what I say I care about because I'm not exercising or eating well. In short, I'm fooling myself.

I believe this reflects both Matthew 6:21 and the warning in Jeremiah chapter 17, which tells us the heart is deceitful, and in Proverbs, where we are admonished to "guard our hearts.

This also highlights the importance of spending time reflecting on what is truly shaping my heart and values, as well as asking, "How important is God's Word to me, really?

I love Jeremiah 17:10 because it so aligns with what the Spirit is teaching us in #braveenoughtoriskchangetolive free. Here's what I mean:

We must be aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Lord examines our hearts and minds, knowing thoughts and feelings influence actions, rewarding us based on deserved conduct.

Grace in action. Before the Spirit guided me on the Brave Enough journey, I didn't understand my actions and feelings, but now I do. I'm accountable for aligning them with His Word, bringing everything into obedience to His guidance, especially after replacing lies with Truth.

For me, the Scriptures clarify why Psalm 119 is significant and why hiding God's Word in our hearts is essential. Do you agree?

Please leave a comment sharing your discoveries about God's Word and your heart towards it after completing this devotional challenge.

Psalm 119 resonates deeply within me. My challenge to us today is to take this passsge:

• Read over it 1x - slowly (be prepared it's long)
• Take out a piece of paper and fold it in half.
• Label one side - Feelings About God's Word
• Label the other side - Why the Psalmist Feels this Way
• Read Psalm 119 a second time, carefully - verse by verse -
• As you read each verse, stop and make a list of how the Psalmist feels about God's Word and why.

  For Example: You read, "Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”

  ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭24‬ ‭NIV.

• You stop and complete your chart: Feelings About God's Word - Takes Delight in Them -- Why -- The Word is His Counselor
• This devotion make take you a couple days to complete but after finishing the chapter, Psalm 119, review the list and ask yourself (journal your answer):
  • What feelings did the Psalmist express about God's Word
  • Why did the Psalmist feel this way?
  • How do I relate to the Psalmist feelings toward God's Word?
  • How has the Word manifested itself, like the Psalmist's, in my life?
  • Finally, where or how might I need the Word activated in my heart (values) that will affect how I think, feel, and act? Do I need counsel or encouragement? Am I floundering and need direction? If yes, how will the word be lived out in these areas? Example: I'm worried and need counsel from the Word. My actions: Praying, asking the Spirit for guidance, and studying God's word about my situation.