I first heard today’s melody several months ago. As I listened to this tune and later when I read through the lyrics, I was yet again amazed at the length Jesus was willing to go for my salvation. And through the lyrics of this particular song, the condition of my heart is the reason Jesus was willing to go to Calvary.

I know the condition of my heart. Sometimes it’s not as valiant as it should be. Sometimes it holds grudges. Sometimes it’s weak. Sometimes it’s fragile. Sometimes it’s just plain ornery. And I’ve read Jeremiah 17:9 enough times to know that it is also deceitful.

Perhaps these are the exact reasons Jesus cares about my heart so much!

Knowing what I know about my heart, I know I can’t change my heart on my own. I need Jesus to help me as the weakness of my heart is revealed.

I believe King David knew this as well. He had a few things to say about the heart. Let’s see what He desired.

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 – NIV)

“Test me, O Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” (Psalm 26:2 – NIV)

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 – NIV)

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26 – NIV)

Like David, I desire to have a heart that Jesus can use for His Kingdom. That’s exactly what Jesus wants too!

So today, take a look at the lyrics to “For the Sake of My Heart,” and see if you too aren’t touched by what Jesus was willing to go through.

If you were the king of a great and mighty kingdom,
would you give it all away for one like me?
Would you step down from your throne and all you’d ever known
to walk this earth in mere mortality?
Would you give up all your treasures beyond what could be measured
to live a life a simple common man?
Would you be born just to die, to save a worthless soul as I,
and shed your precious blood for who I am?

Chorus:
For the sake of my heart He was willing to go
all the way to an old rugged cross.
Where He took on my shame and banished my blame,
so that I no longer had to be lost.
There was no reason to die, but He knew
that death would never keep us apart,
And He loved me so much, He chose Calvary
for the sake of my heart.

He couldn’t bear the thought my sins left unforgiven.
His love was far too great to leave me alone.
And as the nails were driven in,
He cried Father please forgive them.
He showed the greatest love to me
this world has ever known.[i]
(CHORUS)

If you would like to listen to this beautiful reminder of Jesus’ love for you, click here for Gold City’s version.

With Jesus’ help, I plan to guard and monitor my heart much more closely than in the past. I want Jesus to be pleased with what He finds in my heart and I certainly don’t want to disappoint Him.

I leave you with one more passage of Scripture about the heart. “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23 – NIV) Wise words to live by!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

[i] “For the Sake of My Heart,” Words and Music by Wayne Haun and Joel Lindsey, Bridge Building (a division of Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing), 2007.