Listen

The most cunning heart— it’s beyond help. Who can figure it out?

I, the Lord, probe the heart and discern hidden motives, to give everyone what they deserve, the consequences of their deeds.

Jeremiah 17:9-10

Think

Does this scripture make you squirm a little bit? It makes me a little uncomfortable, too. Our hearts have so many things going on inside them: love, longing, care for others… and also sadness, jealousy, and even sometimes hatred. We don’t like to think about our own unkind and greedy motives, and it feels strange that God knows these motives even more intimately than we know them. It feels a little embarrassing, even.

But, what if we shift from embarrassment to gladness? Instead of feeling ashamed that God knows my hidden motives, what if I felt relief? It honestly feels relieving that God knows me so intimately — and that God still loves me and still wants to live life with me. God sees everything in my heart, and yet refuses to leave me.

God will not leave us to struggle alone. God is with us. With you. With me. At our best, and transforming us out of our worst.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

God, thank you for knowing me so intimately.

Guide me to make new choices that will make me more fully whole and loving to myself and others.

Amen.

Go

As you go today, choose the loving path of God, remembering that God will guide you.