During 2025, Peachtree Church is focusing on the Book of Psalms with a series called Dwell, through which we seek to deepen our conversation with God and open ourselves to hearing his response. The practice of praying three times each day will unite the voices of our hearts and souls as we seek the day when we will see the full realization of the Kingdom of God, promised in Revelation 21:3: “…Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.”
We will email devotionals twice weekly with Monday’s providing an overview of the Psalm as a whole, and Wednesday’s focused on that week’s Daily Dwell.
Teach me your way, Lord,
Psalm 86:11
that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.
I had a time in my life when I had a really bad relationship with someone. We were deeply divided (or so we thought). We communicated poorly. We never saw eye to eye. The other person would provoke me with mean comments by text. And I would fight back. It was bleak. I asked the Lord, “What do I do? This is not healthy. And the person is going to keep being in my life.” The Lord said, “Love them.” I said, “What?! They are awful to me.” The Lord said, “Love them anyway.”
I mentally shrugged and tried it. The next time they attempted a provocation, I said, “We are not going to do this scorched earth thing anymore. It’s not good for you or me. I’m only going to say kind things to you, from now on.” They never tried the mean stuff again. And over time, we came to love each other. We are friends. We hug when we meet and we mean it. We will never be enemies again. The time of a withheld, divided heart is over (and it took God’s prompting to make it happen).
Having a divided mind is one thing. That is more or less normal in the life of faith. You can have unresolved sorrows, deep questions, but still wholeheartedly love God.
Are there things you don’t understand about life, your life? Are there events in your past that you absolutely do not think were right or fair or something God could approve of? When you come before God, do you ever think of these things and speak a whispered, “But, Lord…why?”
You would not be human not to have these thoughts. They are allowed. (Read the Psalms if you don’t believe me.)
But having a divided heart will rip you apart—especially a divided heart toward God. Have your questions. But love God anyway. (God probably has His own questions about each of us, by the way.)
I decided at one point in my life, a time of deep grief, that I would not let my faith be taken away from me. I could feel that losing my faith was a possibility. But I decided (with God’s help) I would not let my questions swamp and overwhelm my faith. I would have my doubts but still love God and hang on to him tightly. I would not let go, and I knew God would not let me go. My heart was undivided in its love and trust for God.
Whenever I feel the pull of a divided heart now, in times of anxiety or worry, I call to mind the faithfulness of God to get me through these times. I center my thoughts on God’s faithfulness. I listen for His prompting. And I hang on tight.
For Reflection
- Do you think it is possible to have questions and doubts and still hang on to God?
- Who does it hurt if you don’t do this?
- Can you rely on God’s faithfulness even if you are hurting?
Prayer
Dear Lord, I want to tell you my hurts and worries. I know you hear me. I know there is a gap between what I understand and your own vast understanding. Thank you for hearing me out. Let my lack of understanding, my divided mind, not prevent me from leaning on you in trust and faith. I want to have an undivided heart with you. I believe; help my unbelief. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
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