IN MY HEART
20th Dec 2023
In Luke 2:19 it says, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” Those words come just after the shepherds had come to see Jesus and to worship. What did it mean for Mary to “ponder them in her heart”?
What happens in our heart is more significant than what happens in our mind. Lots of things come into our minds at various times, some we may remember, some we forget.
What’s going on “in my heart” is something I don’t forget and will affect my thoughts and actions. My wife and family are in my heart, I don’t have to think where they are because at all times I know where they are and what is happening in their lives.
In Philippians 1:3, Paul says, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you….because I have you in my heart.” We pray for the people in our heart, we keep in contact and have a real concern for them.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” What is going on in our hearts is very important because it motivates our actions and the way we relate to others. In Matthew 12:34 says, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” Sometimes we blurt out something negative and immediately say, “I didn’t mean that!” Yes you did, your heart spoke before you could close your mouth!
So what was going on in Mary’s heart was very significant, she was watching the way Jesus’ birth was affecting all those who came to see him; the shepherds, the wise men and probably pondering what was going on as Jesus was growing up.
What goes on in my heart is also very important, it dictates what I think about, but it also effects how I pray and care for those in my heart. This is especially important at this Christmas time.
The message of the angelic host was, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” Jesus came to redeem us to Himself and to take us into His heart. As He transforms our hearts, we want to love and care for those whom He places into our hearts.
What is going on in your heart? How will it effect your actions and words over this festive season?
by Charles Sibthorpe
