God sees our hearts, but we do not always know what is there. God uses the Word to enable us to see the sin and unbelief in our own hearts. The Word exposes our hearts like a sharp scalpel. If we trust God, the Word then enables our hearts to obey God and claim His promises. This is why each believer should be diligent to apply himself to hear and heed God’s Word. In the Word we see God, and we also see how God sees us. We see ourselves as we really are.

This experience enables us to be honest with God, to trust His will, and to obey Him. By trusting His Word and obeying His will, we may enter into His rest and thus claim our rich inheritance in Christ. Our hearts have been made right by His divine surgery, but we need to keep them unclogged day by day!

Verse for today: “The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).

Also consider: Hebrews 4:13; Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 5:8-16; James 1:22-25.

Action assignment: Take time to honestly reflect on any aspects of God’s Word that have ever made you uncomfortable. Why did you feel this way? What did you do about it? If you have yet to come to terms with this, let God gently perform spiritual surgery on your heart. Give yourself time to heal before comparing your reaction to those “penetrating” aspects of God’s Word.

Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in