Read: Psalm 71:1-24
Reading any of the Psalms written by David gives us tools to navigate the emotional realities that we live and experience. While reading these truths, we tend to assume many things like the following: that heroes like David already had all the answers; that the Scriptures aren’t tested; and both the heroes and their words are there just to be there. This is not true, however. The Bible heroes we look up to were just like us with real mess-ups, insecurities and passions.
David was a passionate man and followed the impulses of his heart. If it set his heart on fire, he went after it. Given what we know of his past (after reading the records of his life), it is evident that he didn’t always go after the most reasonable things. Due to this, he often found himself in a place of regret. Things changed for him when he decided to make his passion the heart of the God who loved him and cared for him since his birth. This did not mean David stopped desiring other things, but instead, this shows that he learned what really mattered and went after it instead.
Humanly passions are not evil until they are given free reign apart from the heart of God. Once you are a Christian, you are not controlled by your sinful nature any longer, but by the spirit that God has given you through His son, Jesus Christ. Today, ask His spirit which of your passions need to be turned in the direction of the heart of God. This is a step toward the abundant life your Father has offered you. Despite the decisions made in the past, like David, anyone can still be a person after God’s own heart. Choose devotion over emotion today. It is never too late.
Reflect:
What passions do you have that are not turned toward God's heart?
What passions do you have that are?
