“[The apostle] John reminds us that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. God is greater. God knows. Too often our sin and brokenness convince us that the places of our healing and help are dangerous and are the very places to avoid. But God is greater. Come to him.”- Kyle Strobel (emphasis author’s)
“By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him, for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”- 1 John 3:19-20 (ESV)
Kyle Strobel concludes Chapter 2 of Where Prayer Becomes Real as he underscores that prayer should be a place of freedom. A place to come out of hiding, open to the truths regarding the treasures of your heart. Rather than feeling like getting kicked out of school and needing to explain it to your mom and dad.
Apart from the forgiveness and love of Christ, true transformation cannot occur. Kyle counsels:
“Prayer can too easily become a chance to placate God, who we think we can control by being good or hard on ourselves, rather than discovering that in Christ we have access to the Father. . . . The good news of prayer is that God is available and God is your Father. You do not have to remain in solitary confinement in prayer as a way to self-atone. . . . Discover that God is greater than your heart, and he knows everything. You have nothing to lose.”
In conclusion, Kyle stresses, we must not lose sight of this profound truth. That we don’t create, generate, or perfect prayer. Instead, we enter into prayer as the Son and Spirit intercede for us, through us, and from within us. Above all, prayer is:
- trusting in the intercession of Jesus
- trusting in the Spirit’s intercessory groanings
- entering into the prayers of Jesus and the Holy Spirit
Prayer involves more than learning new techniques. We must reground ourselves in the good news of prayer.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help us know that God is greater than our hearts? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Expectations matter when it comes to God”
