The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? –
I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (KJV)
The Hebrew for the word “reins” is kilyah, (Strong’s H3629).
The most likely biblical usage that would apply to the verses above is “…seat of emotion and affection (fig.)”
This isn’t the only place we see the word used.
In Psalm 7:9 it says,
“Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.” (KJV)
The Hebrew word for “heart” in the first verse was leb (Strong’s H3820) While in this and the next verse the word libbah (Strong’s H3826) is translated as “heart” as well.
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, H3826 that they cannot understand. – Isaiah 44:18 (KJV)
As far as I know, there is no real difference…the implication is the same.
If your heart is full of wickedness and deceit (hint: only God can cleanse us from unrighteousness) you CANNOT UNDERSTAND!
Understand what?
- What God’s will is.
- What He is doing in the world.
- What your purpose is.
In short…without God you’re doomed to walk this earth alone, afraid, confused and disheartened.
But with God…all things are possible.
It’s possible to have your heart cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Why are we so squeamish about this fact?
Blood…REAL blood…was shed…poured out…from the veins, the arteries and the organs of a REAL LIVING man-God who CHOSE to have His blood shed.
Why?
Love.
Not some “namby-pamby everyone’s okay” kind of love.
No.
Strong, powerful, principality destroying, throne smashing, heart cleansing LOVE that only God could give.
AND…
To reunite us into the Kingdom of God…where we’ll forever bask in the Glory of the Father and the Son…share in all of the wonderful things He’s created…and live eternally.
I can’t do a thing to clean up my heart…well, that’s not entirely true.
The only thing I CAN do is AGREE and ask God to CREATE A NEW HEART within me. A heart for Him and His kingdom…a heart for his people…and a fierce ANGER towards my enemy (hint: it’s not other people).
God grant me the peace, the understanding and the joy that only comes from You!