There it hung in all of its whimsical glory, with its pastel colors and carefree rainbows tempting the likes of my eight year-old free-spirited girl. It was back-to-school time, and I had promised her a fun day out – just the two of us – plus a new outfit to wear on the very first day.
The t-shirt shimmered from across the aisle, and she could hardly take her eyes off of it. Who could blame her, really. It was the happy description of every little girl who skips to her next destination and twirls around in circles while she’s brushing her teeth, because… why stand still and brush when you can twirl?
But as we got closer, the phrase on the front of the shirt came into view and caused us to pause.
In full-blown glitter were just three simple words: Follow your heart.
Three words that – especially when paired with pastel colors and carefree rainbows – are often mistaken for a convincing, inspiring life mantra worth following.
Follow your heart, it said.
The world’s command to follow your heart above anything else is repeated over and over by the masses. It can be found in everything from middle-aged advice offered over coffee, in movies and pop songs, to the motivational quote of choice splashed with glitter on the front of an impressionable second grader’s t-shirt. This short phrase has tempted an independent generation whose members long to assert their own direction in life. It’s claimed by those whose goal is to find freedom from following anyone or anything except themselves. It’s boldly announced by the lost who really want to be able to trust their instincts and search deep within their own identities to find the courage, discernment, and stability necessary for finding all of life’s answers. At first glance it sounds bold, brave, and freeing.
But I beg you, please don’t blindly follow your own heart. It simply can’t be trusted.
In fact, if I followed my heart on this very day, here’s where it might lead me…
My heart would trick me into elevating myself above others… because it’s selfish that way.
My heart would promise me a desired outcome… but it would fail to tell me what it would cost me.
My heart would pursue instant gratification… instead of taking the time to establish a solid foundation.
My heart would blind me to the truth… because it was too wrapped up in the emotion of the moment.
My heart would be tempted to live like the world… because left to itself it’s oh-so-weak and temptation is ever before me.
What Our Hearts Are Really Like
Why? Because according to Scripture, our hearts are rotten to the core, “deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” (Jeremiah 17:9). Out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander (Matthew 15:19). And from the beginning of time, the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5).
“The Bible has harsh things to say about the condition of our hearts. They can be painful to read and hard to accept, but because these are the words of God, we must believe them in order to know who we are and what we really need. Such understanding will also create in us an awe and thankfulness that the God whom we have offended and railed against should go to great lengths to save us.” – Jen Thorn
A Heart That Can Be Trusted
If we can’t follow our own hearts, then where can we turn? His name is the Great Shepherd, and His is a heart that can be trusted.
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
Follow God’s Word. My kids have learned this key truth in Sunday School from the time they could speak some of their first words, “The Bible is God’s Word, and God’s Word is true.” It’s high time we stop believing the unstable and ever-changing conditions of our hearts. Instead, let’s be known as women who run to God’s Word to find the answers to all of life’s questions. “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5).
Follow God’s guidance through His Spirit. If you are a child of God, His Spirit lives in you! Instead of listening to the voices of the world and letting them sway the desires of your heart, start abiding in God’s Word and learn to hear His voice as His Spirit gently guides you to understanding. “But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (John 16:13).
Follow wise counsel. The body of Christ is made up of leaders who have a strong foundation in God’s Word and are gifted in communicating God’s truth to others. Instead of living in isolation, reach out to godly counsel (a woman mentor, a parent, a pastor, or a Biblical counselor are great places to start) who’s not afraid to tell you truth from Scripture instead of what you want to hear. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).
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Together we stood staring at those three sparkly words, and before I could even open my mouth my girl blurted out what we both knew to be true in our lives. “Mom, my heart sometimes tells me the wrong things, so I have to follow God’s heart instead.” With an affirming nod I bent down low and kissed her sweet smile, then hand in hand we chose to walk away from the glitter and glam. And as we walked and talked together, I prayed and asked Jesus to mold both of our hearts to be more like His.
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” – John 8:31-32
Here’s to walking in more truth and freedom this week. Jesus, mold our hearts to be more like You…
At His feet,
*Let’s Talk: Where do you see your heart taking a detour from God and His ways? In that situation, what truth from God’s Word can you keep before you this week?
Too often, I follow my heart and escape vs. following Gods heart and engage. I choose to turn my mind off and escape with the TV, internet, books, food, etc. vs. engage with family, friends, God.
Exactly Beth! Satan wants us as far away from God as possible and the moment we realize that as soon as we are in sin, we have walked away from God the better. Engaging will give us better rewards!! <3
Beth, you are so right! The world is full of worldly distractions that allow us to follow anything but God’s plan for us.
Last week while looking at shirts for my teen granddaughter, I turned down a shirt for the same reason. I did not say it as well as the second grader though.
Peggy, we have to be so careful and tuned in to God. Stand up for God and not the things of this world!! Good Job for standing on God’s Truths!! <3
Peggy, I buy my son simple usually plain shirts for this reason….although boys’ aren’t as bad as girls but there are some questionable ones that I prefer not to even buy. It’s a changing world and we have to be proactive in teaching them what is right and wrong and what we should do. Even modesty is becoming obsolete. It is hard to go against the grain when it comes to what is in fashion but as parents it is our responsibility.
I love what my heart tells me. I dont always follow my heart because Im old enough to know that if I did it could lead to pain unhappiness and so much more. Ive learned this from experience. I struggle at times with following God. And all the while 1 know that his is perfect for me.
Father, I pray that as we go about our day that we take the time to listen to what you are speaking to us to our hearts. I pray that we put our trust in what You have for us today. Father, I ask this in Your name. Amen
Amen Rena!! Yes, it seems so much easier to follow our wicked hearts that to follow God’s Word. Puts new light on the verse “I have hid Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” Wow…God is so good!!
Rena, how easy is it to be distracted by the things of this world? Just this morning when I was getting up to do my Bible study time, I was distracted by laundry that needed to be switched and then put away from last night, dishes that were in the sink, laying out school clothes oh let me check in with facebook….and then I stopped and realized those can wait, if I continue doing all these distractions then I will not have the time that I wanted and needed with the Lord first thing this morning. My morning study time helps to ground and focus me for the day and man do the worldly distractions try and lead me astray.
The heart is in error unless it’s inspired by the Holy spirit. If I feel in my heart any doubt when making a decision, it’s a sure sign to consult with GOD. As I read today’s ‘glitter shirt’ story, I reflected on my life’s journey when I followed my heart driven by emotions, fear, desperation, self-indulgence, and it goes on. However, I didn’t have the guidance, the knowledge of GOD’S Word then either. Significant changes were made when I understood the difference between earthly desires and GOD’S Kingdom; Christ Jesus! Becoming accountable for my choices, creates a different way of living. A more peaceful and joyful state of mind, heart, and spirit are priceless gifts of our Heavenly Father!
Beautifully stated EdieJane!! “A more peaceful and joyful state of mind, heart, and spirit…” Beautiful!!
EdieJane, even those of us who had/have guidance stumbles and falls. I know I have and still do. One of the amazing things about our God is that He is so forgiving. Thank you for sharing your testimony with us today.
I can relate to this , I did the same thing as a 81 yr old women looking back I can see I did the same thing and when I knew what God wanted to me to do I did it. God has been good to me.
Thank you for these words, Whitney, that went straight to my heart! I determine, with the Holy Spirit’s motivation and empowering, to love Him more dearly and follow Him more nearly this day.
Jenny,
What a wonderful affirmation…cling to God and seek Him first in all things. Thank you for sharing! ?
~Terria LGG Encourager
Teria-I’ve been watching for your name and comments. I loved your insights and encouragement to others from another study some time ago! I’m glad to see your name again.
Jenny, how great is that feeling?? Have a great day!
Our heart can be gripped with so many things if we aren’t careful we can be lead astray. I am just so thankful that I have noticed my action it did tell me, my heart was making me steer to the left, meaning wanted me to go in different direction apart from God. The world, the people can easily trapped, changed or mold us that is why knowing the word of God, meditating, memorizing, knowing its meaning and applying it in our life is a must, the word of God set us free from the lies of this world, if the Son set you free you will be free indeed!
Marilyn, it is so easy to go astray, especially with all the easy now gratifications that are right before us each and every day! How easy is it to just sleep 5 mins longer and cut short your morning devotional time…what does 5 mins hurts? For me a lot. But then I get distracted by other things as well….that is why I try and make it a point to never miss my morning time with God. It helps to center my day and lead me in the right direction, especially when we have so much temptation.
I’m amazed and blessed of the wisdom your little 7 year old showed with her response to the message on the shirt and how it went against who she is! Good job mom!
Cynthia, it just proves that children listen and they retain more than we realize. I always stand amazed and how well they understand.
My heart is always with God that is easy. It is so easy for me to love and cherish him. But my mind on the other hand is everywhere. My thoughts lead my actions. So there is seldom a day that I do not regret that I did not spend more time with the father because he is so worth it. He is so kind and so loving and a genuine provider. And I know that I am not worthy but that it was only because he saw fit. I love him so.
Lisa, I find that when I feel I can skip my morning time alone with God is when I am easily tempted to stray and do things that aren’t necessarily thought out or prayed about. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Whitney,
Your post was a breath of fresh air. It is all about seeking truth over the world’s ways. I crave truth. I don’t care to know what the world is turning a blind eye to, I want to know what God says. I want to know what HE values. I want to know how best to live in a culture that is teaching our kids that anything goes, Or as the shirt said, “follow your heart.” How about the new song from the movie Zootopia, “Try Everything.” My kids had quite a few comments about that. I love , Love God Greatly. Whitney, you have a gift for speaking directly to my heart.
Much love,
Ally
Ally, so glad you are able to join us! We do have a great group of ladies who provide us with great readings and insights.
I was beginning to think maybe I was in a little over my head here,I am a Grandma,no spring chick,then I read what Whitney and you ladies wrote and especially Whitneys little second graders story,you are never too young or too old to trust the heart of God.Thank you
OH Sweet Susan! You are never too old! Thank you for joining us!
Paula, I’m in the right place with varying ages, wisdom, as believers, and as daughters of King. We all have life stories that could help at least one life or many. The comments I’ve read today, and as a newcomer, tells me how much we all need each other for encouragement.
Whitney, what beautiful words. Thank you for reminding us to follow God’s heart!!! I’m always asking God help me to follow you & your desires for me today. I sure don’t want to hurt the heart of God!! Have a wonderful day in His presence.
Carol, it is sometimes hard to discern our will with God’s will, but with prayer we can. Thank you for joining us!
My heart has lead me astray more than I would like to admit. Escapism has become a way of life and I have been dealing with lonliness and depression as a result. My heart has had me doubt my self worth, my faith, my abilities, my callings, my talents. I am working at trying to not lead with my heart which is so difficult at times. The heart seems life such a good thing. ..a thing of love and beauty…but, I suppose, that is where deception lies.
Jen, isn’t it amazing that no matter how far we stray we are forgiven? Despite what our heart and mind says as long as we are following God’s will we are blessed and forgiven. Thanks so much for joining us!
Am single and yet to be married and always my hearts tells me God has forgotten about me. But the Spirit of God reminds me that I just don’t want any kind of man so God is taking His time to give me a man after His heart. That gives me comfort and hope.
Ebos, I commend you on waiting. It is not easy, with through Christ all things are possible. You’re just waiting on you Boaz and he will come with God’s will and timing.
We are so blessed with truth through these studies based in God’s Word, both the written Word and the Living Word, Jesus Christ! In my many years as a Christian, looking back at what has influenced me most in the area of growth has been the memorization of Scripture. Hiding His Word in my heart HAS definitely kept me from sin against others and, most importantly, against God that so easily besets us. I didn’t just pick up my Bible and choose a verse to memorize. I was “urged” into a memorization course (from Bible Memory Association) by a dear old Saint (who had two sons on the mission field and whose last name became the middle name of our last child, the last and only one of our four born to us as Christians) who had taken us as new Christians under his wing and put his best and all into us. I won’t say it was easy, but I will say that it was the most beneficial “exercise” for five years that absolutely changed my life. The Holy Spirit brings those verses to mind and has given me the ability to use them as natural as breathing! Once His Word dwells within the Temple of God, which we are, it is there and useable, providing protection, cleansing, and is the Sword of God, the only defensive implement in the “armor of God”! Of course, I still have that deceitful heart, but the Word of God keeps it in line and pleasing to God! I praise the Lord for the early-in-my-Christian-life urging of a dear, older Christian to hide God’s Word in my heart that I might not sin against Him!n?❤️
Pat, that is my weakness. I want to memorize, I feel I need to memorize and yet I don’t. It’s a goal of mine to say the least. I stand in amazement when people can just spout out verses…me I know generally what they say and can find them when needed, but to just be able to quote at the drop of a hat…I want that. Thanks for joining us!
I see my heart detouring from my marriage. My patience has grown thin and my thoughts have been in separation and divorce. I am close to giving up but I hear God telling me to not give up. Deep down my husband is a good man but he has strayed away from God and his ways of living have become a stress in my life. He is not the worst husband and my expectations may be too high, but I am holding on. I have several scriptures about marriage posted on our bedroom wall to help us get through. The one that stands out to me is Colossians 3:13, Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you.
I would like to thank you for your studies, they have taught me so much in the past couple of years. Keep up the good work and God bless.
Oh, Marilyn, my heart goes out to you. But, we must be strong and stand firm on God’s words because He can and will get us through! When I have had thoughts like what you described in the past, I would force myself (I say force because in the moment I so didn’t want to) to read 1 Corinthians 13 OUT LOUD…and I’d do it over and over again every time. Sometimes I felt like the words of that scripture were the only words I would say all day long. But, let me tell you, they worked! Four years after my world tried to fall apart, my heart has grown softer, my marriage has grown stronger, and my husband goes to his Life Group and church more consistently than I do! LOL! Now, I’m not saying that this is the only “recipe” for rebuilding (nor is it anywhere near the only thing that we did), but there is something out there (whether it be scripture or Bible-based books or a good friend or a counselor or something else) that will help get you through this…and whatever it is, it will be God’s hand leading you to it and holding you up as you walk through it.
Thank you for your words. Opening up was my first step. And now I can take the next step knowing it’s the right direction.
Oh Marilyn, one of the hardest decisions to make. BUT if you hear God telling you to be patient and wait, then good things are coming. Thank you for joining us! I have added you to my prayer list and have said a prayer for you.
Thank you for your prayer.
Marilyn, you will be in my prayers. I have gone thru a divorce this yr. I spent yrs in prayer before I made my decision. Stand firm on Gods word. Satan is working really hard to desroy families to tear apart husbands and wives. he kbows his time is short. Praying for you.
Thank you for your prayer. I’ve been through a divorce with my first marriage and I saw how it affected my older children growing up, but it was an abusive relationship that I had to let go. Now my current husband and my youngest are so close and I can’t put her through a separation. Sometimes I need my eyes to be opened and see more of our good times. Again thank you.
Don’t give up!
I followed my heart away from my husband to another man. I have repented but am waiting for God to work in my husband to reconcile. Even now now my lonely heart wants companionship, to give up so I can move on and be with someone. Stand firm on God’s word … He designed marriage to be permanent.
My life before my marriage was not the right life in God’s eyes. I found myself being the “other woman” more than once and one day I opened my eyes and realized I didn’t want that life anymore. When I met my husband I decided to take the right steps to a healthy relationship. After 10 years of living in sin I have repented and God reminds me here is a man who loves you regardless of your past. Even though I still feel guilt for my past because in this small town of ours I constantly run into my past in public. I understand your feeling of loneliness and I will definitely take your advice and stand firm. Praying for you and your husband as well.
Oh how sweet. Oh what a blessing. Out of the mouths of babes. Thank you Whitney for sharing your sweet story with us and reminding us that we always need to listen to God’s heart, not our own.
Jess, thank YOU for joining us! Have a great evening!
Something so small and seems simple proves such a powerful teacher. It’s in that moment our heart chooses right or wrong, the world or the Word. So beautiful! Sheila, LGG Community
Good evening, everyone.
I would greatly appreciate prayer this evening as I found out earlier that I may have a serious lung condition which may require hospitalization . I am hoping find out tomorrow after the lab work is done and read by my doctor…
I just started this Bible study and am hoping and praying that I will be able to finish it.
I know everything is in God’s hands and that however this goes, He will be there with me.
Thank you all in advance for being there to read this late post.
Janis
I am praying for you Janis! Lord willing it is not as serious as you fear and maybe there is a treatment or something that can help? I always ask for the Lords healing if it is His will as well!!
I tend to struggle with people bondage which leads me to not follow God’s leadership. I know that God has magnificent plans for me but because of the judgment of humans I tend to doubt myself. I know that God is a God of truth and if i just trust him he will lead me in the right direction. I have to constantly remind myself that we are living in a falling world and God is in control of everything and not man.
I used to kind of think the WWJD (WHAT WOULD JESUS DO) bracelets were a little funny. Especially before I really started my Christian Journey. Now I often think of that simple phrase when I am in everyday life. This sheds more light on that for me. Instead of following my heart or my own brain for that matter I need to stop think WWJD? Just stopping and thinking for one second might change a lot of outcomes for me. I don’t read scripture as much as I should so I never really knew until this study about the heart. Thank you Love God Greatly for this wonderful devotional. I’m already learning so much.
Thank you so much for sharing this precious story! The conditions of our hearts was still on our minds this morning. After we prayed our morning prayer, my son said there should be shirts that say Follow God’s Heart. I agree!
Hi everyone, I am behind a few days, but reading and listening to you all has inspired me. I have found myself so caught up in work, school, and a relationship that I am not so sure of from time to time. But the one thing I know is that something is missing in my life. I had a co-worker call me last week, and he is someone that I share things with and he always keep me lifted in prayer. This day he called because i was weighing heavily on his mind. These are the words he shared with me,” God has greatness in store for you, He is going to elevate you to a place that is so great.” He went on to say I am not claiming to be a prophet but I know this is what He wanted me to share with you. He said I know you want this relationship withyour significant other to work and I pray it does, but if it doesn’t please know there is a love so great I will be experiencing. So that Sunday I went to church with a friend and I stood in the prayer line, the Bishop had been staring at me all during service and I didn’t know why. Those very things my friend shared with me earlier that week, the Bishop confirmed, along with more things. God is always there, I had to stop and listen. I want to SOAP when I read His words, to be closer to Him is what I want and need. I did not get to read all the postings, I read enough to know this is going to help me understand more. I know that there is more that I am suppose to be doing in life for God. Thank you all so much.
This reminds me of a book by John Bevere called Good or God. I haven’t read the book but I listened to him preach a message on it. “Follow Your Heart” sounds good and noble, but is it just good or does God’s Word back it up? God’s Word certainly does NOT back this little saying up at all. I use to be a pretty bad person. I was a drug addict and alcoholic. My Daddy was also an alcoholic. Many times we would drink together. But there was this one time that
I will never forget when neither of us was drinking and he reached across the table and took my hands in his. This was a surprise because he wasn’t especially touchy-feely. He looked me in the eyes and said something that shattered my heart into a million pieces. He said, “Little girl, I love you more than I can find words to explain. (He was a gospel song writer so he knew a LOT of words!). He said you are so very much like me and I know that makes you proud but you shouldn’t be. I’m a sorry, good for nothing old drunk and I don’t want you to be like me.” I will never forget that he cried when he said that. He always had a Bible with him. He handed it to me and said, “Of all the advice I have ever given you, please keep THIS piece of advice with you in your mind. NEVER follow your heart or the hearts of anyone else, but ALWAYS follow His.”,as he said that last, he tapped his finger on that Bible.
Nobody else has ever said that until now. The world we live in belongs to the devil, but just for a season. We CAN make it through because Jesus has already defeated our enemy! God goes before us into every single battle. He goes before us every single day and He goes before us into tomorrow. He surrounds us on every side and though 10,000 may fall beside us, we will continue to stand and nit be touched or harmed because we have God.
Thank you for that very wise and heartfelt comment! That was very good instruction your father gave you and it evidently has brought you safe thus far. Keep it close to your heart.