We can know His word, yet not let it reach our hearts
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I was speaking with my wife recently, and she shared something from one of the Bible studies and prayer groups she frequently participates in. As she talked, I realized how easily I could see myself in what she was describing.
During one of these gatherings, a woman shared that she was extremely hurt because someone had not reached out to her on a special day. She explained that she makes it a priority every morning to begin her day by talking with the Lord. She knows that her Heavenly Father loves her, is faithful to her, and is ultimately the relationship she needs for fulfillment.
And yet, as she talked, my wife could hear something beneath her words. She was still hurt.
My wife, being bold enough to lovingly ask the right questions, helped this woman recognize that the situation was still affecting her. Eventually, she began to see something that I believe many of us, including myself, struggle with. We can know what God’s Word says without allowing it to truly reach our hearts.
We can know that God is good. We can know that He is faithful. We can know that He is present in times of trouble. We can read Scripture, underline it, quote it, and even teach it to someone else. But sometimes, that knowledge remains in our heads. It hasn’t made its way into our hearts.
And that’s where grace can become blocked; not because God has stopped being gracious, but because we haven’t surrendered the hurt, disappointment, offense, or expectation that we’re still holding onto. I know this because I’ve been there.
Sometimes I pray about something while secretly continuing to carry it. I tell God I trust Him while still trying to make sense of why someone hurt me. I say I believe His Word while allowing my feelings to have the final say.
So today, I’m challenging myself, and maybe you, to prepare our hearts when we pray and when we read God’s Word. Don’t just read it. Receive it.
Don’t just know that God is faithful. Trust His faithfulness. Don’t allow His truth to stop at your head. Let it travel the distance to your heart because God’s grace isn’t lacking. Sometimes, we simply need to make room for it.