Heart Postures: Aligning Our Inner Selves with God

“Heart Postures” Sermon (03.02.25)

In the journey of faith, we often focus on our outward actions and behaviors. But what about the condition of our hearts? The state of our inner selves is crucial in our relationship with God. Today, let's explore five heart postures that can transform our spiritual lives and deepen our connection with the Divine.

THE NEEDY HEART

We live in a world that often equates neediness with weakness. But in our spiritual walk, acknowledging our need for God is the first step towards true strength. Psalm 51:1-2 beautifully captures this sentiment: "Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."

When we approach God as "filthy beggars," recognizing our complete dependence on His grace, we open ourselves to His transformative power. It's in our moments of greatest need that we often experience God's presence most profoundly.

THE SUBMISSIVE HEART

Submission is a challenging concept in our individualistic culture. Yet, a heart submitted to God is one that finds true freedom. As we read in Psalm 51:3-4, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight."

This posture requires us to lay down our pride, justifications, and excuses. It means acknowledging that our sin is not just against others, but primarily against God. When we submit our hearts to Him, we break down the barriers that our sin creates, allowing for deeper intimacy with our Creator.

THE OBEDIENT HEART

Obedience flows naturally from submission. When our hearts are aligned with God's will, we desire to follow His ways. Psalm 51:11-12 expresses this beautifully: "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

An obedient heart seeks to remain in God's presence, finding joy in salvation and strength for the journey. It's not about perfection, but about a willingness to follow God's leading, even when it's challenging.

THE EXPECTANT HEART

Living with expectancy means approaching each day with the anticipation that God is at work. It's about being ready for what He might do next. As Psalm 51:13 says, "Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you."

An expectant heart is contagious. When we live with joy and hope, even in difficult circumstances, others notice. Our lives become a testament to God's goodness, drawing others to Him.

THE RESTORED HEART

Finally, a heart that has experienced God's restoration is one that overflows with praise. Psalm 51:15-17 declares, "Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise."

A restored heart recognizes that true worship isn't about outward rituals, but about offering our whole selves—brokenness and all—to God.

REFLECTING ON OUR OWN HEARTS

As we consider these heart postures, it's important to examine our own lives. How often do we approach God with a sense of entitlement rather than need? Do we submit to His will, or do we constantly try to justify our actions? Are we living in obedience, or do we pick and choose which parts of God's Word to follow?

Consider the story shared about the brownies at a youth gathering. The leader mixed something unpleasant into the brownies, and when the youth discovered this, they were disgusted. Yet, how often do we consume media or engage in behaviors that are equally "contaminated" without a second thought? We may gasp at the thought of eating tainted brownies, but we're often less discerning about what we allow into our hearts and minds.

This analogy serves as a powerful reminder that even small compromises can affect our entire being. Just as a tiny amount of an undesirable substance can ruin an entire batch of brownies, so too can seemingly small sins corrupt our hearts and hinder our relationship with God.

The good news is that God is in the business of heart transformation. As Psalm 51:10 implores, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This is a prayer we can all echo, inviting God to cleanse us from the inside out.

LIVING WITH A GOD-CENTERED HEART

When we align our hearts with God, it changes everything. We begin to see life through His eyes, responding to challenges with faith rather than fear. We find strength in our weakness, joy in our struggles, and peace in the midst of chaos.

Remember, God is not interested in perfect performance, but in hearts that are fully devoted to Him. He is our "portion forever" (Psalm 73:26), the One who sustains us when our flesh and hearts may fail.

As we go about our daily lives, let's strive to maintain these heart postures before God. Let's approach Him with neediness, submit to His will, obey His commands, expect His movement, and live as those restored by His grace.

In doing so, we may find that our lives become a powerful testimony to others. Like a compass pointing true north, our hearts will consistently turn towards God, guiding not only our own steps but also showing others the way to true life and freedom in Christ.

May we be a people whose hearts are fully devoted to God, ready to declare His praise and live for His glory in all we do.