Heart Posture: Aligning Your Inner Self with God's Purpose
In this week's episode of Sheila's Take, I found myself reflecting on a powerful concept that has been transforming my own spiritual journey: heart posture. After hearing a moving sermon about faith and doubt, I couldn't stop thinking about how the position of our hearts—that inner attitude toward God and others—shapes everything about our lives.
What Is Heart Posture?
Heart posture isn't something we can see directly, but its effects ripple through every relationship and decision in our lives.
"Heart posture is more than just what we do," I shared in the episode. "It's about the intentions, thoughts, and attitudes behind our actions. It's the 'why' behind our 'what.'"
This internal orientation affects three key relationships:
- Our relationship with God
- Our relationships with others
- Our relationship with ourselves
As I mentioned during our conversation, scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of our hearts' condition. Proverbs 4:23 warns us to "guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Jesus himself said that what comes out of our mouths reveals what's in our hearts (Matthew 15:18).
Heart Postures in Scripture
The Bible gives us numerous examples of different heart postures and their consequences:
Pride vs. Humility "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Pride positions our hearts in opposition to God, while humility opens us to receive His grace. I shared during the episode how I've witnessed this play out in my own life, especially during times when I thought I had all the answers.
Fear vs. Trust "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). A heart posture of fear keeps us from stepping into God's purposes, while trust enables us to move forward even when the path isn't clear.
Bitterness vs. Love "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior" (Ephesians 4:31). A heart harboring bitterness poisons not only our relationship with the person who hurt us but every other relationship as well.
Recognizing Our Own Heart Posture
During the podcast, I shared a personal story about a time when my heart posture was revealed to me in an unexpected way. After feeling frustrated with a family member who seemed distant, God gently showed me that my own heart had been positioned in judgment rather than grace.
"Sometimes we don't realize our heart posture until God holds up a mirror," I explained. "And that mirror often comes in the form of conflict, challenge, or confusion in our relationships."
The sermon that inspired this episode emphasized that doubt itself isn't always the problem—it's the posture of our hearts in the midst of doubt that matters. Are we doubting with a heart still turned toward God, seeking answers? Or have we turned away, refusing to engage with Him in our questions?
Practical Steps for Adjusting Your Heart Posture
Recognizing that many listeners might be wondering how to examine and adjust their own heart posture, I offered several practical suggestions:
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Invite the Holy Spirit's examination: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts" (Psalm 139:23). The Holy Spirit is our greatest ally in revealing what's truly in our hearts.
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Stay rooted in scripture: God's Word acts as both mirror and medicine for our hearts. Regular time in scripture helps us recognize unhealthy heart postures and correct them with truth.
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Practice daily surrender: Each morning, I've found it transformative to pray, "Lord, my heart is Yours today. Position it as You will."
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Be honest about your struggles: I shared in the episode how bringing my real feelings to God—even the messy ones—has been essential for heart transformation. "God already knows what's in your heart," I reminded listeners. "He's just waiting for you to be honest about it so He can help."
- Seek accountability: Share your journey with trusted friends who can lovingly point out when your heart seems misaligned. Sometimes others can see what we cannot.
God Seeks Our Hearts, Not Perfection
As we wrapped up our time together, I emphasized perhaps the most important truth about heart posture: God is after our hearts, not our perfection.
"When David was called a man after God's own heart," I noted, "it wasn't because he was perfect. It was because his heart remained turned toward God even in his failures."
I closed our episode with a prayer that I'll share again here:
"Father, thank You that You see our hearts. You know when they're positioned toward You and when they've turned away. Help us to be honest about the posture of our hearts right now. Where there is pride, plant humility. Where there is fear, cultivate trust. Where there is bitterness, pour out love. Position our hearts toward You today, that everything flowing from us would reflect Your goodness and grace. In Jesus' name, amen."
Your Turn
I'd love to hear from you about your own journey with heart posture. What has helped you maintain a heart positioned toward God? What challenges have you faced? Share in the comments below or reach out on social media.
Remember, adjusting your heart posture isn't about perfection—it's about direction. Is your heart turning toward God or away from Him? That single question can transform your spiritual journey.
Did this episode on heart posture resonate with you? Listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts. Don't forget to subscribe to Sheila's Take for weekly insights on faith, relationships, and living purposefully in today's world.
Sheila Dunbar
Podcast Host, Author
Sheila Dunbar, is a remarkable woman who wears many hats with grace and passion. As a devoted wife, loving mother, and a strong believer in God, Sheila's life is a testament to her unwavering faith and commitment to her family.
Throughout her life, Sheila has placed God at the center of everything she does. Her faith has been a guiding light, providing her with strength, wisdom, and a deep sense of purpose. Sheila's unwavering devotion to her faith has shaped her character and influenced her interactions with others.
As a wife and mother, Sheila's love knows no bounds. She has been a pillar of support for her family, always putting their needs above her own. Her dedication to her family is evident in the love, care, and sacrifices she makes on a daily basis.
In addition to her roles as a wife and mother, Sheila is also the creative force behind the Sheila's Take podcast. With her podcast, Sheila shares her insights, experiences, and wisdom with a wider audience. Through thought-provoking discussions and heartfelt stories, she aims to inspire and uplift her listeners, encouraging them to live their best lives and deepen their relationship with God.
Sheila's podcast, Sheila's Take, has gained a loyal following due to her authentic and relatable approach. Listeners appreciate her genuine storytelling and her ability to tackle a wide range of topics, from faith and family to personal growth and overcoming challenges.
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