"Heart Reasons"

The heart has its reasons,

Through all of life’s seasons,

Though others may not see at all.

They’ll swear you’ve gone mad,

‘Cause you lost what you had,

And blamed it on hearing God’s call.

Sometimes takes away,

What we plan today,

Without really showing us why.

But He knows the best,

And through every test,

In time understand if we try.

Have I really heard Him,

And felt when He spurred in,

Something I could not deny.

I’d never presume it,

But neither costume it,

As something not true, but a lie.

Some feel the great need,

When their fortunes recede,

Put blame on somebody, not them.

The devil will do,

Or their family or crew,

Be it a male or le femme.

But sometimes the word,

That we know that we’ve heard,

Will be divisive and strong.

Though we just want peace,

And God’s own release,

Some will still think we are wrong.

So what do we do,

If we want to be true,

And give all the love we have known.

All we can say,

Is Lord, have Your way,

We trust in the light You have shown.

“No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening- it’s painful!” (Hebrews 12:11, NLT)

When God speaks or works we expect it to make us happy. And that is true, in an ultimate sense. But on the way to happiness can be very painful lessons, called “paideia” or discipline. Those who experience this discipline are “trained” in righteous living which pleases God. The word “trained” or “exercised” is “gumnadzo,” which refers to a radical discipline. (Think gym). All this to say, God is totally committed to our happiness. But happiness is the outcome of a process of change that requires something that is often painful. It’s painful to get fit or lose weight or break a personal, harmful habit. It’s uncomfortable and we want it to be over as soon as possible. But it leads to something better, which shows how much God loves us. He meets us where we are but will not leave us there. He takes us where we need to be, even if it hurts. No pain, no gain? Right. But also, is it worth it? Absolutely!

Lord, help us embrace Your discipline, even when it hurts, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Steve Devenyns, stevedevenyns.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Steve, and God bless you.