"Into My Heart"

There's a song that says, "Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart Lord Jesus..."  We say that phrase a lot.  "I asked Jesus to come into my heart."  As a child I pondered on that statement, and wondered how Jesus could actually enter into my heart in my chest and live there, like a little man in my shiny red heart. It was similar to when I wondered how all those little people got into the TV.  I remember wanting to look at the back of the TV to see if there was a door!  Don't worry: I was quite young at the time!

Well, as we all know, the phrase "Jesus came into my heart" is symbolism for trusting Him as my Savior.  But what does that really mean?

This week I received three gifts: a chapter of a manuscript someone is writing, so I could review it and give my input. I also received a poem from a friend that was written by her friend who passed away, and she asked me if I could put a tune to it and make it into a song. I also received a poem that someone wrote for school, and asked me if I'd look it over.  I felt honored and privileged to be asked to look at their works, and also grateful that I can give back because there were so many people who took time out of their busy schedules to help me, read my manuscripts and poems and give me their input, cheering me on all the way.

One thing that really occurred to me as I read their works is that I am getting a glimpse through the window of their hearts, their souls. The authors of these works have shared something from within them, a sacred place, a unique perspective, an intimate setting.  I thought about it more, and realized that no one can get into that secret place without permission.  Some people keep deep, dark secrets in their hearts. Some people carry emotions, hurts, fears, and burdens that no one ever sees. And then let's face it; some people practically lay everything in their heart out in the open with very little inhibition!  But it's their heart, their choice, and I guarantee there is more to that person than meets the eye.

That's what it means to enter someone's heart. To be let in, invited, requesting the honor of your presence or the pleasure of your company into what matters most to you, the real you, who you really are, what you really feel, that natural honesty. Not every work of an author is about what's in their heart, as some works are a reflection of their imagination or education, but it's still from within, a very individual perspective and source.

This is an example of what it must mean to the Lord to have open access to our inward parts. Psalm 51:6: "Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."

Have you had that moment of truth with Jesus? Have you let Him in, so He can see who you really are? Have you opened up and been honest with Him as He knocks on the door of your heart? Revelation 3:20:
 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Jesus was talking to the church, but the principle applies to us as well. I believe the purpose for our being born is to enjoy sweet fellowship with God. He has work for us to do, but not without first inviting Him in to be in our secret place so He can commune with us with honesty and transparency. He desires repentance (agreeing with God about your sin and turning from it 180 degrees) of your sin so He can save you, purify you, and give you abundant life, saving you not only from eternal punishment and death in Hell, but to give you eternal life that starts now. He loves you and me. Will you invite Jesus to come into your heart and soul, into the true you, to be your Savior and Friend?  He's the greatest; you can trust Him, and as you learn more about Him, you won't be able to help but love and adore Him every day of your life.