If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. James 1:26 (ESV)
Your words can deceive your own heart.
For example, if you speak negatively over your future, your heart will start stashing away those comments as accepted beliefs—even though they go against what God says about your future. (See Jeremiah 29:11.)
That’s why it’s crucial to refrain from speaking anything that we don’t want creeping into our heart beliefs (Proverbs 4:23). It’s the reason we must continually persuade our hearts of God’s truths. Fortunately, as believers, we have Holy Spirit inside of us, and His job is to teach not only the mind but also the heart.
Is it possible for someone to read the Bible, follow what it says, and not see any changes? Yes, because believing is not an intellectual thing; belief happens at the heart level. And that belief is what connects you to the miracles and changes you seek in your life.
What is a sign that your heart beliefs are changing? You see yourself differently. You begin to see yourself the way God sees you: a precious, loved, worthy overcomer. And that changes how you think, speak and see yourself facing any situation. For example, a problem that you previously thought would have defeated you now seems conquerable.
To see change, however, we must take the time to establish our hearts in God’s grace. Our hearts need consistent feeding in God’s Word to develop unshakeable trust that His mercy, favour and love are ours and that He faithfully keeps His promises to us.
Repeatedly speak those truths—Your heart is listening!
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