Psalm 86:11 Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name.

This particular prayer of David should be universal to every believer. We all experience “a divided heart” at times. We have the English expression, “I’m of two minds about that,” for when we are undecided about an issue. The Japanese expression is “two hearts,” and implies unreliability or even treachery. That’s why this verse is rendered, “Give me a single heart.” James said, “Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:8) That’s no way to live! However, we all have that tendency, so we need to pray this prayer of David. God will teach us His ways to the degree that we are committed to follow them. It is meaningless to ask God for guidance when you’ve already decided what you’re going to do, and it ignores Him. We need to be honest, with ourselves and with God, when we are torn, but our first commitment needs to be to Him. That’s why David speaks of fearing God’s name. If we don’t fear Him, knowing that He is omnipotent, omniscient, and holy, then our flesh is likely to make excuses for not listening to Him. It’s much like parenting. If the children don’t really respect their parents, they actually don’t love them very much. Too many parents seek to be loved by their children and overlook the respect angle. If the parents show themselves worthy of respect, then the children will both respect and love them. We can’t accurately say we love God if we don’t fear Him enough to do what He says. (John 14:15)

I am sad right now because a young man whom I baptized, but who currently lives quite a distance from here, has just contacted me, asking that the pictures of his baptism be removed from the church website, “for privacy reasons.” I don’t know what is behind that, but a child of God should be proud to proclaim that status. I think he is seriously struggling with a divided heart. I will seek to grant his request, but I’m not our webmaster, so I don’t know how easy that will be. I do know that I need to pray for him. The devil is ceaseless in his attacks on the minds and hearts of believers, and even mature Christians aren’t immune. I am indeed to submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7), both for myself and on behalf of those under my care, so that more and more people may walk in Christ’s victory.

Father, thank You for Your patience with me over the years. I certainly don’t have a spotless record! Thank You that the blood of Christ is sufficient for all sin, when that sin is submitted to You. I do pray this prayer of David, so that I may walk in Your truth consistently, at all times, for the blessing of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!