Learning the Heart and Eyes of God

Do you remember that Scripture from Monday?

And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them: and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a-whoring. Numbers 15:39

If we rely on our own heart and our own eyes, we will always be deceived.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9

Following our own heart and eyes is like choosing a burnt, rotten cookie when there's a pan of fresh, gooey ones right next to it. Why settle when you can have the real and true?

So how do you find out what God's will really is? It's right there in His Word just waiting for us to find it. It can be daunting to face the entire Bible, but there are some very special tools we can use to get at the center of God's heart for us.

* Chain reference: When you find a verse that speaks to your heart, follow the chain reference in your Bible. It will lead you to other verses that talk about the same topic or use the same words. There are often multiple verses which lead to other verses that have multiple verses attached to them. This si my favorite way to search through the Scriptures because there are always new verses to find and love and study.

* Concordance: Whether there's one in your Bible or you use a separate one in addition to your Bible, a concordance is a massive reference source. You might be seeking a certain word or phrase or something that's repeated many times. The concordance is a great place to look.

* Commentaries: There are many, many books and computer programs that are filled with commentaries. Men who are infinitely smarter than I have have observations verse by verse through the Bible that make you think, make you cry and make you desire to keep seeking. But always refer back to the verses in Scripture - they're breathed by God, not man. He'll always show you what He wants you to know.

* Other people's writing: You probably have your own library full of writings about the Scriptures. When was the last time you picked one up and read it? They’re not conversation pieces or pretty home décor – they’re meant to be read. But, just like with commentaries, always read the passages for yourself. Don’t rely on what man has written.

Hopefully this has been a wonderful reminder of not seeking with your own heart and eyes, but seeking what God has to say. Seek God through the Scripture and you’ll find the answer to every question you have – and maybe some you didn’t know you had. That’s the power of God’s Word.

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