Accessorizing is not always easy – especially today.  For several years I have had occasional heart palpitations, that can become rather annoying.  So, during my annual physical my doctor prescribed me a heart monitor to find out what is going on.  Likely, all is quite fine, but if something needs to be treated she would like to know (as would I).   After she described the monitor to me  I envisioned a tiny little bracelet with a small button that would be pushed when “an event” happened.  Little did I know I would receive this semi-monstrosity (when it comes to accessories) that has wires that attach to my body and that I must wear for a month 24/7.

So, I’m coming up with creative ways to work this into a scarf, a handbag, a giant necklace or belt ornament…though I’m running short on ideas.  I can only imagine what is going to happen next time I am at the airport…wired up to my monitor, but that’s another story  to write.

At this point, I am quite aware of my monitor’s presence.  It works by sending a recording of my heartbeats via satellite to someone, somewhere who monitors my heart’s activity.  Yes, the corresponding analogies are numerous.

At times, I can forget or become less aware that God is always monitoring my heart.  He is eager to point out irregularities, because he wants me spiritually healthy and strong.   It can be a comforting or frightening thought to know that God is always monitoring our hearts…recording their thoughts and intentions. Whenever I have an “event” a buzzer goes off…and it is not quiet.  Can you imagine if any time we had a spiritual heart “event” we started beeping?

1 Chron. 28:9

“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.

Proverbs 20:27

The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man;

it searches out his inmost being.

Romans 8:27

And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

2 Chron. 16:9

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war.”

When our hearts belong to God and we are seeking him wholeheartedly it is a comfort to know He  always sees our hearts and can strengthen them –  as well as continually cleanse us as we walk in the light (1 Jn. 1:5-7).  Yet if we are not fully committed to Him, and still walk in darkness it is a frightening thought to know that God sees our heart.  Meanwhile our hearts become more and more damaged, rather than healed.

As I go through the day with my new accessory, it helps me remember four areas crucial to monitoring the “inside of our hearts”.

First, the Word of God makes us aware of the condition of our heart.  Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Second, we must have the openness and desire to change as we become sensitive to the areas of our heart that God reveals and exposes.   Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

[24] See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Third, we must care about the condition of our heart and make the effort  (put on the monitor) to guard its health.  Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.

And, we also need others in our lives, the physicians or consultants who can help us get out the bad and draw out the good.  Proverbs 20:5

The purposes of a man’s heart are deep waters,

but a man of understanding draws them out.

So really, I’m not alone in wearing a heart monitor.  Our hearts are all being monitored.  May they find the health and healing that God desires for us all.

Meanwhile, I’m a bit stuck on how to wear this little contraption.