Casandra Martin

Psalm 119:1-8

Halfhearted is an interesting word. The dictionary defines halfhearted as ‘having or showing little enthusiasm.’ I don’t like to think that I’m halfhearted, when I look in the mirror I can see it. I am halfhearted about things that I have to do, but don’t really want to do. I am halfhearted about things that are hard, difficult, or that stretch me too far. Halfhearted reveals my comfort zones, my pet habits, and the priorities that come to light in my actions, even when my words say something else.

Psalm 119 begins with a blessing on those who seek God with their whole heart. It encourages us to give ourselves diligently, enthusiastically, and wholeheartedly to studying and living the Word of the Lord. What is interesting about God’s Word is that nothing less than our whole heart will do. It is simply not possible to love God’s Word in a halfhearted way and have it be open to the change that He so deeply desires to work in us.

Yet, if I am honest, I too easily give away little pieces of my heart. I give it to smaller pleasures, lesser joys, and selfish satisfactions. That is why I am thankful that these first words in this song about loving God’s Word include a prayer for a wholehearted heart. “Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!” (Psalm 119:5) I am too easily distracted. I let stress, busyness, and worry pull my eyes and pieces of my heart out of focus. Praying for a heart that is steadfastly, wholly, enthusiastically devoted to His Word is my only hope.

My Jesus Resolution today is to pray for a wholehearted heart. I want my life to be defined by enthusiasm for God’s Word. I long for Him to gather up the pieces of my heart, stitch them together with grace, wash them clean, make them new, and give me a desire to be nothing less than steadfast and wholehearted in my love for Him.