7/30 Psalm 86:11

¹¹ Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.

In contrast to yesterday's devotion, this is a cry to hear what the Word of God teaches in all its fullness that the psalmist might order his life according to that truth. This hungry heart is a gift from God. Jesus said the one that is hungry and thirsty for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6).

When we begin our walk in the Spirit, our heart is often divided because of our previous idols. These were things that we sought after to find fulfillment or satisfaction. When we find that Christ is the sum of everything that is truly good, we are still often tempted to look back on the old pleasures. They will compete for first place in our hearts. This is why the psalmist asked that God would unite his heart to fear God's name.

God's name is the sum of His attributes. To fear who He is as a righteous God who loves us and who will discipline us deters us from going back to the old pleasures that destroy us. It is to accept the fact that He is our Creator who has shown us love to the greatest possible extent and provided justification that we could never earn. The only right response is a heart that is wholly devoted to Him!

Prayer: Unite my heart to fear Your name!