From Open Up Your Heart by Jeff Syverson

[This was the first devotional I wrote for the book, and the source for the name, Open Up Your Heart]

July 7
Open Your Heart

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 145:14-21 | 1 Chronicles 4:5-5:17 | Acts 25:1-27 | Proverbs 18:19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Psalm 145:14-21

What is prayer? O. Hallesby looked to Rev. 3:20 and said: “To pray is to let Jesus come into our hearts . . . All he needs is access. He enters in of His own accord because He desires to come in. And He enters in wherever He is not denied admittance. As air enters in quietly when we breathe, and does its normal work in our lungs, so Jesus enters quietly into our hearts and does His blessed work there.

He calls it to “sup with us.” In Biblical language the common meal is symbolical of intimate and joyous fellowship. This affords a new glimpse into the nature of prayer, showing us that God has designed prayer as a means of intimate and joyous fellowship between God and man.” (O. Hallesby, Prayer, p. 11-12). In a similar way, Today’s Psalm (145) reminds us that our heavenly Father delights in drawing near to us, when we call out to Him.

Meditate on these truths: He is: righteous in all his ways (17), loving toward all he has made, near to all who call on him in truth (18), the fulfiller of desires of those who fear him (19), the one who hears our cries and saves us, and the one who watches over all who love him (20). He loves you and longs to be near you—to be close to you. As you delight in him, he enjoys fulfilling the desires of your heart. When you fall down, he lifts you up and comes along side you to help you on the way (14). When we come in our humility, he opens his hand and satisfies our deepest desires (16).

Open your heart to Him today. Tell him what is on your heart. Do not hold anything back. He wants to hear your cries and satisfy your deepest desires. Your pain, your sorrows, your fears, your questions; he wants to hear them all. He wants to draw near to you, but he waits until we call on him—until we call on him in truth. You do not have to pretend in his presence—you do not have to put on any masks. He can see your heart just as it is. But he wants you to open it up “in truth.”

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jer. 29:13.

Jesus is waiting at your heart’s door. He is knocking today. He wants to enjoy fellowship with you. Open up your heart to him and enjoy his presence. He wants to be your friend. Open up your heart. Open it wide. Don’t hold anything back. Enjoy your time with him today.

365 Daily Devotions to encourage you in your daily time with God

Order Open Up Your Heart at Amazon.