Our Hearts at Rest

I have had the experience of an irregular heart rate sporadically for years. It has been alarming, to say the least, whenever I have felt my heart begin to race (once as high as 137 beats per minute)! It often occurs at night, or after a nap. I have researched the causes of A-Fib (atrial fibrillation), and how to respond when it occurs.

Of course, I am talking about my physical heart, and this verse is referring to my spiritual heart, but I think there are some lessons to be learned that affect both. The goal for both is “our hearts at rest.”

Did you know that you have a “resting heart rate?” Since getting a Fit-Bit Watch and signing up for the app, I get a weekly summary of my resting heart rate. Interestingly, despite my bouts of A-Fib, my resting heart rate has not varied much and is actually in a healthy range!

I have learned ways to “calm” my heart when it starts beating too fast, as I have begun to understand some of the possible causes of increased heart rate:
Stress. Even my stressful thoughts impact my heartrate! I counteract stress by breathing in, holding my breath, and then blowing it out forcefully.

Dehydration. I typically do not drink enough water, so my increased heart rate is a reminder to me that I need to rehydrate.
Vitamin deficiency. This was a new one for me, but sometimes my diet does not supply everything my heart needs. I need a supplement.

Spiritually, we cannot achieve a healthy resting heart rate in God’s presence if we allow “our hearts to condemn us”. Living with condemnation does not have to be our only alternative, no matter how much we have messed up our lives.

Here are the possible causes and cures of a spiritual heart not being at rest:
Guilt. Acknowledging my sin (breathing out), accepting God’s forgiveness (breathing in).
Thirst. Embracing the truth of God’s Word and trusting in its promises daily.

Deficiency. Since God knows everything that I need, through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit to empower me for action, my heart can truly be at rest in his presence.

As you examine your heart, is all well with you? Can you rest fully in God’s presence, without a sense of guilt, thirst or deficiency?

Father God, I am so thankful that you know everything! Nothing in my life is hidden from you, and it is only when I pull away from you and the truths of your word that my heart is not at rest in your presence, so please help me to trust you fully today! Amen.

Throughout this day: Make time for a spiritual heart check-up. Take whatever steps the Lord shows you to counteract anything that causes your heart not to be at rest.