Established Heart

James 5:7-11

Therefore be patient, brethren until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient, Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned Behold the Judge is standing at the door! My brethren, take the prophets who spoke int he name of the Lord as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

“Establish your hearts” a command in the midst of a passage talking about the return of Jesus. I began meditating on these words. Having an established heart is an intentional task. It’s not something that just happens. As I read I started asking the Lord questions.

Why is it important to establish my heart?

How do I establish my heart?

The heart by definition is the central or innermost part of something, the center of a persons thoughts and emotions; it is the seat of our emotions. It is where our emotions and feelings sit. And out of our mouth our heart speaks.

What is my heart saying?

What are my emotions expressing outwardly?

I can test my heart by my actions and words.

What is the condition of my heart?

The word establish means to set up on a firm or permanent basis. If I am to establish my heart I am making a choice to set my emotions or feelings on a firm place all the time. No wavering.

Am I doing that today?

In this moment?

With that specific hard situation?

Prayer-

Lord help me to establish my heart. Help me to set my emotions and feelings on a firm place in You. Let me not waver by what I feel but make me steady.