Conditioning the Heart (i)

Today we begin a new series where we delve into the scriptures to learn the principles of conditioning our hearts to receive the abundant blessings God has in store for us. We start this journey by examining the pivotal role of faith, drawing insights from Mark 6:45-56. In this passage, we find the disciples battling a fierce storm at sea after witnessing Jesus miraculously feed the multitude of 5000 (vs.30-44). The passage begins, ‘And straightaway he constrained his disciples to get into the boat, and to go to the other side before him unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people’ (vs.45). Note how Jesus had to compel the disciples to get into the boat – they initially did not thrill at the idea. The disciples’ hesitation to follow Jesus’ instruction is likely due to the fact that they were seasoned fishermen who understood the sea and weather, and they likely foresaw the storm coming. Isn’t this just like us at times, where we are reluctant to agree with the Word because of our experiences, past disappointments and built-up fear? When evening had come, the disciples found themselves in the middle of the sea, toiling and straining to row the ship, battling against fierce winds and storms that were contrary to them (vs.48). Yet, recognizing their plight, the Lord Jesus approached them walking upon the very waves that seemed to be overwhelming them. This is a profound reminder that Jesus is always in control, regardless of the chaos surrounding us.

Scripture tells us that Jesus walked on water to meet the disciples, and ‘would have passed by them’ (vs.48b), had they not called out to Him. We read that ‘when they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out; for they all saw him and were troubled’ (vs49-50a). This is an important lesson for us, to cry out to the Lord in our distress, refusing to suffer in silence. We must declare His mercies, being assured that He hears us, for He is a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). In response to the disciples’ cries, He immediately reassured them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid” (vs.50b). In the middle of the storm, Jesus exhorted the disciples to be in joy and refuse to yield to fear. We must maintain our joy and courage, even in the face of adversity. And while we may sometimes wish for Jesus to intervene sooner, we must trust His perfect timing, and not shy away from applying our faith in the midst of the storm. Continuing with the passage, we read that Jesus ‘went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased’ (vs.51a), demonstrating the profound impact of His presence – His very presence has the power to bring peace to turbulent situations; our consciousness of His love and backing is a catalyst for the miraculous.

As the story continues, we read that the disciples ‘were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and marveled. For they had not understood about the loaves, because their heart was hardened’ (vs.51b-52). Their reaction should serve as a reminder to us to maintain a balanced perspective and appreciation of miracles. The disciples’ inability to fully grasp the significance of the miracle of the loaves led to their now astonishment, because they had not yet appreciated who Jesus was and what He could do. Just like the boys, we also often find ourselves forgetting what God has previously done for us at the first sign of trouble, allowing our hearts to harden as we focus on circumstances rather than on Him. Therefore, it is crucial for us to introspect, examining where we have hardened our hearts towards God, where we need to condition our hearts to believe God’s Word for what it says, regardless of the circumstances. Saints, we must anchor our faith in the unchanging nature of God, trust in His goodness, see beyond temporary circumstances, and embrace His eternal promises. Just as the nation of Israel marked their staffs to commemorate God’s provision and protection, we too must recall the times God came through for us and remind ourselves of the countless testimonies of His goodness. Let us draw inspiration from King David, who found solace in God’s faithfulness, saying “Thy rod and staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4). This is how we strengthen our faith and endure through present trials with the assurance that God will see us through to the other side, just as He has done before.

In Mark 8:14-21, we encounter another instance revealing the disciples’ hardness of heart and lack of understanding, despite witnessing miraculous provisions. We read, Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. Then He charged them, saying, “Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread” (vs.14-16). The disciples were preoccupied with their lack of bread and so failed to grasp the spiritual significance of Jesus’ words. Their focus on human reasoning limited their perspective and blinded them to the deeper truths Jesus sought to impart. Consequently, Jesus chastised them for their hardened hearts, questioning their failure to perceive and understand, saying, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?” (vs.17-18). Like the disciples, we may find ourselves questioning and reasoning amidst trials, forgetting the miraculous happenings we have witnessed in the past and instead seeking to control outcomes through human logic. Each time we reason, each time we focus on circumstances instead of God’s assurances, we risk hardening our hearts and hindering the work of faith in our lives. Church, staying in the realm of reasoning can shipwreck our faith and limit the doings of God in our lives. We ought to understand that faith is not, and cannot, be based on human reasoning – it transcends logic and rests solely on God’s promises. Faith does not reason – it believes! Jesus reminded the disciples of the overflowing baskets from the feeding of the five thousand and four thousand (vs.19-20), highlighting that their forgetfulness stemmed from their focus on human reasoning. He said to them, “How is it you do not understand?” (vs.21). Saints, what we fail to comprehend, we are likely to forget. That is why it is important to always bring to remembrance what God has done for us – that is how we remove the limitations and condition our hearts to receive from Him without reservation.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that continues to teach us to trust in Your promises and to anchor our faith in Your unchanging nature. We thank You, faithful God, for Your constant presence, even in times of trouble. Holy Spirit, help us to remember that You are never far from us, You are always holding our hand and supporting us at every step. We choose to remember Your goodness always, and embrace Your promises with unwavering trust. In Jesus’s name. Amen!