May 11
Encouragement for Today
“A Steadfast Heart”
Marybeth Whalen, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member, General Editor, For The Write Reason
Key Verse:
Psalm 57:7, “My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast.” (NIV)
Devotion:
My husband and I have two different styles of communication. He likes to discuss something, decide on an outcome, and be done with the discussion. I, on the other hand, like to discuss something, discuss it some more, and a few days later, discuss it again from a whole new angle. This fundamental difference can sometimes be a source of frustration for both of us. I have found this to be true in other marriages as well. Generally speaking, men tend to be more black and white, while women tend towards the gray areas in life. We want to weigh our options, dwell in possibility, and consider every aspect.
While God definitely created women to be more emotionally driven, I do think that sometimes we can take it to an extreme. By investigating something too deeply, we open ourselves up to being indecisive. Our indecision can be damaging to our relationships with loved ones, and also with God. The Bible speaks of God’s desire for us to be steadfast in our convictions. James 1:17 speaks of God as the One “who does not change like shifting shadows.” In Ephesians 4:14, Paul warns against being “tossed about by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching.” In other words, we should not be prone to changing our minds according to whichever way the wind blows.
The key to being able to do this is to have a steadfast heart, as our verse for today says. The secret to having a steadfast heart is found in Psalm 112:7, “His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord (emphasis mine).” We find our strength, our position and our firm stand when we place our total trust in the Lord. When we are trusting in Him fully, yielding to His will, then we are not manipulated by circumstances or swayed by situations. Though the storms of life rage around us, our trust remains in Him who calms the storm (Luke 8:24). As we turn our faces toward Him, we find security. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You (emphasis mine). Are you struggling with a tough decision in your life right now? Place your trust in Him and feel the peace that flows from a steadfast heart.
My Prayer for Today:
Lord, I want to place my total trust in You alone. You are the only One who can give me the peace my heart is longing for. Create in me a steadfast heart as I learn to trust You when I am facing things I do not understand.
Application Steps:
Place your trust in God and allow Him to give you a steadfast heart that is not swayed by life’s circumstances.
Reflection Points:
If you are making a large decision, journal about the doubts and thoughts you are struggling with. Listing those thoughts on paper can help you sort through your feelings.
Pray over this list, asking God to bring to light any steps He would have you take.
Make an effort to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Don’t allow your mind to wander away from relying on God.
Power Verses:
Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (NIV)
Psalm 108:1, “My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul.” (NIV)
Psalm 111:7-8, “The works of His hands are faithful and just; all His precepts are trustworthy. They are steadfast forever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.” (NIV)
Psalm 119:5, “Oh that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
A Woman’s Secret to a Balanced Life, by Sharon Jaynes and Lysa TerKeurst
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/resources/secretbalanced.html
Journey of a Woman’s Heart tape set, by
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/resources/journey.html
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst