You know this heart.

If we had forgotten the name of our God

or spread out our hands to a foreign god,

would not God discover this?

For he knows the secrets of the heart.

Psalm 44:20-21

There was a segment of the temple worshipers (the sons of Korah, composers of this song) who apparently stayed faithful in the worship of Yahweh even as the rest of Judah turned away and the Lord brought judgment to Jerusalem. They had kept the covenant. They had worshiped God. And as God brought His consequential justice, they were hurt most by the experience of it, knowing God’s beauty and worthiness while simultaneously realizing His right to judge. They would have to endure covenant curses because of the faithlessness of Israel, even as they remained faithful, worshipful, and concerned for God’s holiness. Still, they know and believe that God knew all this because God knew their hearts.

God knows my heart. He knows my commitments and my struggles. He knows my sorrows and my joys. He sees me trying to place my past into the present while also trusting Him now and for my future. He knows that I am not perfect. He sees my stumbles, my hidden battles with distrust, anger, uncertainty, past losses, and willfulness. And yet God knows also that I, by His Spirit’s enablement, have not forgotten His name. God knows how I confront the siren song of false gods that offer empty promises. In mercy, He forgives me as I turn away. With grace He brings blessings undeserved.

Lord,

Even as my heart struggles to be faithful, You are always faithful… always true. You know this heart of mine. You convict me, You lead me, You comfort me, You confront me, and most importantly, You are constantly transforming this old heart of mine. I thank You, my God, with all my heart. Keep me true!

Amen