In the midst of a book that is primarily a declaration of laws, you might not expect much discussion of the heart.  Yet, in this week's 52 Week readings, the word "heart" is generously sprinkled throughout the text.  In fact, the word appears more than twice as many times in the book of Deuteronomy (this week's reading) as in any of the New Testament books.  So, clearly, God has been interested in having our hearts from the beginning. 

But what about His heart?  Why does He require ours?  Here are a few insights to help us grasp the nature of His Heart:

He is the one and only true God.  All others are false, powerless pursuits.

"Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart,

that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath;

there is no other."

Deuteronomy 4:29

He seeks our best.  Listen to the heart-cry of a Father in these words:

"Oh that they had such a heart as this always,

to fear me and to keep all my commandments,

that it might go well with them and with their descendants forever!" 

Deuteronomy 5:29

The last three little words here show the purpose of God's commands:

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you,

but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him,

to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord,

which I am commanding you today for your good?" 

Deuteronomy 10:12-13

So, how do we respond?  We give the Great Heart of Hearts our hearts.  Reflect for a few moments on these passages below as responses to the One True God who seeks our best with a Father's Heart.  Notice, too, how these reminders of His heart are sprinkled throughout His creation.

Thanks be to God, who loves us with the Heart of Hearts.  Our only response is to offer Him ours.

As always, thanks for reading.

Rachel Welborn