Did you know that the word “heart” appears over one thousand times in the Bible? The heart is a person’s center for both physical, emotional, intellectual, and moral activities. If God talked about the heart that many times, then it is vital for you to “Set Your Heart” toward Jesus. We are commanded in Matthew 22:37 to devote our entire being to loving God, which means prioritizing Him in every aspect of our lives and seeking to align our actions with His will. (“And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'” Matthew 22:37)

So, how do you and I set our hearts towards Jesus? First, confess any known or unknown sins according to 1 John 1:9. This step means consistently admitting our sins to God, relying on His promise to purify us and mend our relationship with Him. (If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9)

Then we must read and meditate on God’s word. Romans 10:17 highlights that faith comes from hearing the message of Christ, and James 1:22 urges us to not only hear the word but also act on it. (Romans 10:17 (ESV) “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” James 1:22 (ESV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”)

Next, we can set out hearts by worshiping God. Each of us should celebrate and give thanks to God with joy and gratitude. Let His teachings enrich our lives through singing and worship, expressing our faith and reverence in every aspect. (Psalm 100:1 (ESV) “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!” Colossians 3:16 (ESV) “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”)

As we grow in the sanctification process, our hearts will be set as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform us by surrendering to God’s will.  The Holy Spirit transforms our lives by renewing our minds to align with God’s will, and He draws us near to God and in return who will draw near to each of us. (“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8)

Finally, we must trust Jesus to lead us. We are incapable of navigating this life successfully without the help and guidance of Jesus.  We can trust Him as we walk by faith, being confident that He will act on our behalf according to Psalm 37:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:7. (Psalm 37:5 (ESV) “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV) “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”)

Since Jesus has demonstrated His trustworthiness, we can set our whole hearts towards Him!