Have you ever heard the phrase “fake it until you make it”?

There were many times in my life when I pretended to be OK when I really wasn’t. For many of us, it is easier to ignore our feelings than to deal with them.

• Someone may ask “How are you doing?” and you respond “I’m fine,” when you are really hurting inside.
• She chooses to give a compliment to someone else, knowing deep down she needs encouragement for herself.
• We pretend to like someone or something to spare another person’s feelings.

We have all been there. 

There is no “faking it” with God. He knows every motive and intention of our hearts.

Although we may hide our true feelings from the people around us, God knows the truth of our hearts. He is All-Seeing and All-Knowing – and He knows every motive and intention behind everything we do and say.

If God were to search you right now, what would He find hidden in the secret places of your heart?

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.

Psalm 139:23-24

The Holy Spirit searches our hearts and reminds us of those things that are not like Him. If we want to receive more from God, we must prepare our hearts by removing any motives, thoughts, and intentions that go against Him such as:

• Anxiousness
• Bitterness
• Anger
• Depression
• Worry
• Fear
• Jealousy
• Hate
• Lust
• …etc.

These negative feelings cause us to harden our hearts and ultimately hinder our relationship with God. Letting go of negativity and renewing our minds with scriptures helps us to free up space in our hearts to receive more of God. As we move forward into 2019, let’s prepare our hearts by asking God to turn our sadness into joy, and our pain into hope.

Grab your bible, and read the scriptures for yourself to complete today’s Scripture Reading Challenge. What are your thoughts on today’s passage? Share with us in the comments below or head on over to our Facebook page to join the conversation!