Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi
Our perusal through the scripture, looking at verses containing 'heart/ hearts' as listed in the NIV Exhaustive Concordance brings us to the last verse in Ps. 31, another of David's, which seems particularly appropriate at this point in time:
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD. -- Ps. 31:24
"Heart" here is Strong's H3824, Lebab which we have seen many times. But as best I can tell, that first phrase is translated from three words, Hazaq (Strong's 2388) amets (Strong's h553) lebab ...strong courage heart.
Other translations phrase this such that it is GOD who strengthens the heart. "Take heart' as always seemed to be a rather odd phrase to me. From where do I take this? What specifically am I taking? I've always just sort of read that as 'receive strength and courage from God' anyway, so for it to be translated along those lines makes sense.
Next up is the last verse in Ps. 32, again, written by David; I'm going to add the previous verse for context -
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! --Ps. 32:11
"Heart" is the other most-frequently-used word, Strong's H3820, Leb This is a description of character...'upright in heart' ...folks who have a clear conscience and earnestly try to do the right thing. Praising God is a natural occurrence with those folks.
No psalmist is mentioned as authoring Ps. 33; there are three verses that mention 'Heart/Hearts':
But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. - Ps. 33:11; 'heart' is H3820 again. This verse speaks of God's heart, not man's. God's heart has purposes...which are fixed and eternal.
From his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth -- he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. Ps. 33:14-15 "hearts' is H3820 again. The hearts of mankind, formed by God and visible to him.
One thing that has struck me through the years...folks who are, um, lackadaisical about following the exhortation of scripture but shrug it off as too difficult or inconvenient, saying 'The Lord knows my heart." ...don't seem to realize that yes, the Lord knows every individual's heart. And knows the self-deception that makes deliberate disobedience seem ok. The Lord knows our hearts better than we do. To me, my heart desires to do better but I struggle. God sees the underlying rebellion that my actions manifest, despite claiming the heart wants to do better. He REALLY knows. Which is why the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...recognizing that he is not fooled. He. Knows.
In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. -- Ps. 33:21; 'Hearts' is H3020 again.
I am reminded of the almost physical sensation of a 'rejoicing heart'...something that almost always happens when I contemplate God's goodness.
The next Psalm that mentions 'heart/ hearts' is Ps. 36...one of David's
An oracle is within my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before his eyes. -- Ps. 36:1; 'Heart' is, once more, Strong's H3820.
"Oracle" - prophetic declaration...As a writer, I can kind of identify here. The word that is fizzing around and must be written down. David has something burning inside and he has to express it.
Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart -- Ps. 36: 10. We are going to get some repetition of poetic phrases; I'm kind of surprised we haven't really had more. "Heart" is, again, H3820, and it's a repeat of the phrase 'Upright in heart', except this time David is talking about the response of God to someone who is upright in heart.
Psalm 37 is also one of David's:
This is one of the verses that gets quoted a LOT:
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. -- Ps 37:4; 'Heart' is H3820 again.
We tend to look at that verse and think that means God will give us whatever we want. But there's a frequently overlooked condition that begs the question -- What does it mean to 'delight oneself in the LORD'. Doesn't that mean that we make HIM our main desire? Pursuing God out of the desire of the heart WILL find that desire fulfilled. It doesn't mean if I go to church and do the stuff that God's going to give me a new car and a bigger house....
The next two verses need context so I'll include it.
The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. -- Ps. 37: 14-15. 'Hearts' is, again, H3820, referring this time to the actual organ; basically, the attacks of the wicked will be turned back on them. Eventually.
The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just. The law of his God is in his heart and his feet do not slip. -- Ps. 37:30-31; H3820 again.
Again, a character description. The heart...the source...contains God's law. So wisdom and justice are what is spoken and the walk is solid.
Ps. 38 is a lament of David, owing to his own sin.
I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in aguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me, even the light has gone from my eyes. -- Ps. 38:8-10; both instances of 'Heart' are H3820.
The whole psalm describes the physical and mental anguish of guilt and shame, with full acknowledgement that God sees, God knows, and God helps once confession is made.
In Ps. 39, David laments the futility of trying to keep from saying things that will cause trouble by just...not saying anything. Didn't work.
My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue. - Ps. 39:3; 'Heart' is, once more, H3820
Oh, I know this feeling! The bee in the bonnet that just gets louder and more bothersome until...the words come out of the mouth (or posted on social media) and, oh, then there's TROUBLE.
Seen a lot of that lately....
One more Psalm today, another of David's...
I desire to do your will, O my God; you law is within my heart. I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. I do not hid your righteousness in my heart; i speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. -- Ps. 40:8-10. 'Heart' in verse 10 is H 3820 again, but the word rendered 'Heart; in verse 8 is H 4578 - me'e - belly, bowels, heart, womb. Guts.
He feels God's love deep in his guts, and declares it freely. Which is so much better than spewing the long-stewed-over reaction speech that causes issues.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. -- Ps. 40:11-12.; H3820 again.
Sounds like the results of sin have caught up to him and he's feeling overwhelmed; so he does the only thing he can do...he turns to God for deliverance and help.
There were a lot of verses today; it's kind of disjointed feeling to me but there are some nuggets definitely worth pondering. Do I truly delight myself in the Lord??? is definitely not the least of them.
No comments:
Post a Comment