By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Today a friend “listened” as I shared a difficult event in my life. The heaviness of my heart felt uplifted after that “talk.” I felt loved, valued, cherished. 

Speaking of hearts, mine has “talked back” for months now. Today I will let the doctors do what they are trained so well to do: figure out if something is needed to keep this motor of mine pumping. An implantable cardiac monitor (ICM) will be placed under my skin within the wall of my chest. It’s job is to stay within me for four or five months while an external monitoring device, plugged into a wall at home, extends my heart information to my cardiologist.

I recently discovered a similar device is available for cars. A Bluetooth device can be added (without a scalpel). That device monitors my auto’s “arrhythmia” such as speeding, braking too hard, making fast turns, or if I touch my phone—for any reason! This device allows remarkable reduction for my auto insurance policy in the event my score is impressive and mileage is considered to be low. The preventative that comes from this device has to do with my purse strings, and, what touches the purse strings can stress the heart.

It is extremely important, as humans, to take care of our hearts—both physically and spiritually. It is up to us to seek the best our doctors have to offer while also seeking to know about God, the one who created us.

Within the Holy Bible (NKJ) the word “heart” can be found 826 times. More than any other word, “heart” is used to describe a person’s inner self, or spiritual center.

Within the Bible there are many verses showing that God is for us, not against us. One of my favorite “heart” verses is Deuteronomy 33:12, “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, who shelters him all the day long; and he shall dwell between His shoulders.” This tells me that even within my hardest times I dwell securely in God’s heart. (What else can be described as being “between His shoulders”?) In another Scripture we are told “God sings over us with joy.” These are truths that quiet the heart as well as to nurture it.

There is no doubt that God has a plan and that as difficult as the journey can be at times we can trust: God has not left us. He is with us every push of the gas pedal and pump of the brake! While here on Planet Earth we gain fortitude, strength and endurance as we place our trust in Him.

The Bible shows clearly that the whole earth experience was initially intended to be perfect, but the consequence of humans refusing to be obedient to God brought an expedient and sorrowful result: all became out of whack! Everything about the Earth became imperfect. God didn’t leave us; He just chose not to walk and talk with us “face to face” any more.

God remains the lover of our souls. Based on this great love, we are told,

 “Do not fear . . . The Lord your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:16b-17

Imagine being so loved by God!

Visit Healing-with-Joy.com for Joy’s blog along with many helpful articles addressing life’s difficulties. Her books and blogs are read in up to 32 countries. See children’s book on homepage (YouTube video)