With all my heart

“With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever, for Your love for me is very great….” Psalm 86:12, 13 (TLB)

According to Ai Overview, “Praising God wholeheartedly involves recognizing His goodness, even in difficult times, and viewing praise as a powerful act of faith and worship.”

This week I have been pondering about the greatness of God. When difficult times occur, what is my heart posture? Do I carry the spirit of Job or of the mixed multitude? Am I learning how to show vulnerability in my praise to God without allowing toxic positivity to consume me? Do I know what it means to be authentic in my worship?

The Bible is like God’s journal for us. In it, contains lives lived and lessons learned. In Psalm 103:1-5 (NLT), the Psalmist David declares, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagles!”

Jesus, in Mark 12:30 (NLT) reminds us that we “... must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Re-echoing the charge from Moses in Deuteronomy 6:5.

With all my heart, speaks to being intentional with God not just going through the motions; whether it’s an act of love, service or praise and thanksgiving. When feelings of despair or anxious thoughts seek to encompass, I use those times to remember who God is and that He is to me a personal God, not some abstract Deity who created the world and left it to its’ own demise.

That’s why Jesus says to love the Lord, Your God. He is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:27)

Journaling has helped me to document God’s goodness, blessings and benefits. As I reread and ponder and probe, I am amazed at how situations touch me differently, Bible promises that hold new meaning, testimonies deepen and faith strengthens. So, with all my heart, help me to praise You Lord and remember all Your goodness, even when I cannot tell it all.

“Isn’t it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate?” – Francis Chan

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvellous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:1, 2 (NLT)

“Without the inward attitude of the heart, you cannot praise God the way you should.” – Shelena Griffiths

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for everything You do and have done for me. Teach me how to love You with all my heart and from that heart may gratefulness shine through. Help me to count my blessings, not my burdens, knowing that You will see me through. In Jesus name, Amen.

“To love the Lord with all my soul will involve a spiritual cost. I’ll have to give Him my heart and let Him love through it whom and how He wills, even if this seems at times to break my heart.” -Helen Roseveare

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 (NLT)

“God, I trust You with all my heart. Wherever You want me to go, I will go. Even if it’s not where I planned. Lead me and I will follow.” - Unknown

“With all my heart I want your blessings. Be merciful as you promised.” Psalm 119:58 (NLT)

Be blessed to be a blessing.