In Deuteronomy 11:13, God shows us another condition to create the atmosphere for rain: we must also “serve him with all our heart.”
When Jesus became the Lord of our lives, we were made spiritually alive in our innermost being. Serving Him is more than just going through the motions; now it can be a true spiritual service that flows freely from our hearts and is pleasing to the Lord.
When the Prophet Samuel was about to anoint a new king to replace Saul, he considered the sons of Jesse. One son made a strong impression on Samuel. Surely, he thought, this must be the one who should be king.
Then the Spirit of God spoke to Samuel: “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV).
Later Jesse’s youngest son, David, became Israel’s king—serving God and leading His people. God saw in David a man with a heart like His own (see 1 Samuel 13:14).
We can learn to follow the leadership of the Spirit that is within our own heart. God has made us able to hear the voice of what Peter calls, “the hidden person of the heart” (see 1 Peter 3:4).
When we serve God with our whole heart, we are following His lead and His Word with a sincerity and commitment that will not be tossed to and fro by difficulties or attacks. We have decided to follow God even though others may try to talk us out of it.
We have learned to guard our hearts the way Proverbs 4:23 instructs: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (NKJV).
Within our heart is the reservoir of the blessing and virtue of God. Second Peter 1:3 says He has given us “…all things that pertain to life and godliness” (NKJV). These forces of life flow out of our heart like a river when we release our faith and walk in the Word of God.
Jesus said in John 7:38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water” (NKJV). Jesus described the life of God in our hearts as a river. We must tap into the resources of the Holy Spirit that He has placed within our inner man and begin to draw them out like water flowing.
There are waters of healing, abundance, and freedom deposited within our hearts. However, we must draw them out and receive them by faith. There are waters of wisdom, counsel, understanding, and discernment that we can learn to trust as we pursue God’s will. There are waters of love, joy, and peace that will rule us and direct our steps.
We can become sure and steadfast by learning to serve God from our hearts. We will be pleasing to Him as we serve Him with the sincerity and loyalty of undivided motives.
