My Eyes Are Not Raised Too High

O LORD, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.

O Israel, hope in the LORD from this time on and forevermore.

Psalm 131:1-3

The great cathedrals of Europe are breathtaking. However they have weaknesses. Their ceilings are too heavy for the walls to support so flying buttresses, or external extensions were added. In some ways we are like those cathedrals. We need those external influences to hold us up while we remain weak at the core. God gives us the strength we need and He supports us with His Son and The Holy Spirit.

Pastors, friends, rules, books, and small groups can be helpful in supporting and bolstering our faith. But if we depend too heavily on them, they can actually distract us from developing a healthy heart for God. Our heart is the place where God meets and relates to us personally. It is where He allows us to respond to His correction. Spending time in His Word and in prayer opens the door for Him to interact with us at the deepest levels of our need and gives Him opportunities to comfort and convict. As we open our hearts to Him, He fans the flame of an intimate, life-changing relationship. When you open your heart to the Savior, He opens your mind to His Word.

Our Daily Bread – August 25, 2008