MY HEART IS FIXED

Nothing of value can be done for God which does not spring from a steadfast, determined heart. Daniel’s separation from evil, Dan. 1. 8; Ruth’s dedication to the God of Israel, Ruth 1. 18; the sturdy continuation of the early believers in Jerusalem, Acts 2. 42—all were the result of firm, inward decisions, for from the heart proceed “the issues of life”, Prov. 4. 23. It follows, therefore, that worship, the believer’s highest occupation, can only rise from a heart fixed upon the Lord and His majesty, Psa. 57. 7.

A fixed heart means absolute confidence in God. David’s faith was no text-book knowledge, but a real trust in God in the midst of overwhelming difficulties, vv. 1-4. It is precisely in the context of such disasters that true faith flourishes. Thus David seeks mercy from the Lord in whom he found refuge, v. 1. Our hearts will never be steadfast in praise until they are steadfast in trust.

Second, the fixed heart implies concentration. David is besieged by distractions, but his focus of attention is still Jehovah, vv. 6-8. Foes without and foes within the believer so often conspire to rob the Lord of His worship. As J. N. Darby wrote, “No infant’s changing pleasure, Is like my wandering mind”. But the wandering mind cannot worship God. If our prayers of adoration are cliched, cold, and thoughtlessly repetitive, it is because our hearts are not anchored upon the right object. There is, after all, enough in Him to keep our worship fresh and fragrant for all eternity, Rev. 4. 8. Next time we gather for worship, let us set our minds exclusively on the Saviour, Matt. 17. 8.

Finally, the fixed heart necessitates a comprehension of God’s great worthiness, vv. 9-11. David recognizes that his God is greater than the nations of the earth, v. 9; Isa. 40. 15-17; greater than the universe, v. 10; Isa. 40. 22; greater indeed than everything, vv. 5, 11. We read of the Lord Jesus that “he that cometh from heaven is above all”, John 3. 31, and, by virtue of Calvary, He has now received “a name which is above every name”, Phil. 2. 9. May we learn increasingly to fix our hearts upon Him!

“Looking unto Jesus”, Heb. 12. 2.