Take it to Heart

Typically when we say the phrase, “take it to heart,” we use it in the negative sense, persuading someone (or ourselves) not take something to heart. Usually said in reference to hurtful words spoken in moments of anger or frustration, we feel the deep impact sharp words can have in our hearts; feelings we would be glad to live without.

But while I was reading in Deuteronomy this morning, the Lord revealed this beautiful verse that brought a different meaning and light to this phrase: “When Moses had finished speaking all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today...” (Deut. 32:45-46)

We see here that “take it to heart” is used in a positive and reinforcing way; taking God’s Word (which Moses has just finished declaring to Israel) directly to our hearts for the conviction, warning, encouragement, or hope that God knows we need in our lives. His Word is to be treasured (Ps. 119:9) in our hearts, guiding our steps and preventing sin.

The deeper application the Lord brought to me personally was that I too often take God’s Word only to my mind and not my heart. While indeed the mind needs daily to be renewed and protected by the Word, true change and sanctification only comes through applying His Word to our hearts. Head knowledge profits nothing unless it is applied to my heart, resulting in a change the Lord desires.

I often need to be reminded to “take to heart” all the Words God graciously speaks to me.

Referring back again to the negative sense of this phrase will provide a somewhat unusual example of how we could apply this. When someone speaks painful words that you (despite your best efforts) take to heart, what exactly do you do with those words? Do you think about them often throughout your day? Do you replay them over and over in your mind? If they were written assaults, do you read and re-read them over and over until the pages are worn out?

These responses could also be used to “take to heart” God’s Word (with of course much pleasanter results and fruit). There are many Scriptural instructions about Word intake and meditation, and all of them should be carefully learned, cultivated, and practiced for the good of the Christian, the growth of the kingdom, and the joy of time spent alone with God in the inner sanctuary.

In the next few days, I would like to discuss a few of the many “Word intake” disciplines taught throughout the Bible and ones that have helped my time in the inner sanctuary. Learning these principles can help us take God’s Word to our hearts and I am excited to share them with you.