Aligning Our Hearts with God’s Will

The verse from Psalm 119:36, "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness," calls us to examine the nature of our desires and priorities. In a world that constantly bombards us with messages of accumulation and success based on material wealth, this verse stands as a poignant reminder to align our hearts with the truths of Scripture rather than the fleeting allure of possessions.

**Incline My Heart: A Heart That Listens**

When the psalmist asks God to incline his heart, he acknowledges that our hearts are naturally drawn to various things—some good, others not so much. To *incline* implies a bending or tilting; it suggests an intentional adjustment towards something. The heart, in biblical understanding, is the center of our emotional and spiritual life. It is where belief shapes our actions and desires.

Thus, the request to *incline my heart* reveals a humble recognition of our need for divine intervention. Our hearts, if left unchecked, gravitate toward self-centered desires and materialism, which can lead us away from God’s righteousness (Isaiah 53:6). This desire to lean into God’s testimonies—His laws, promises, and teachings—requires a deliberate shift in focus, one that can only come through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

**Thy Testimonies: A Guide for Living**

God’s testimonies are His Word—the Scriptures, which serve as our map and guide. They illuminate our understanding of who God is and how He desires us to relate to Him and others. When we incline our hearts towards His testimonies, we are actively seeking His wisdom. In Proverbs 2:1-5, we are instructed to treasure God’s commands and seek understanding.

The testimonies provide insight into God’s character: His love, holiness, mercy, and justice. They remind us of His faithfulness in the past and encourage us to trust Him with our future. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, we are equipped to discern our motives and choices, reflecting upon whether our desires mirror God’s will or society’s expectations.

**Not to Covetousness: A Radical Departure**

The psalmist’s plea continues with an important caution: *and not to covetousness*. Covetousness is a strong, unhealthy desire for what others have—whether it’s their possessions, relationships, success, or influence. This greedy longing leads to discontentment and a distorted view of our blessings. Exodus 20:17 warns us against this sin, highlighting its destructive nature.

When our hearts are inclined towards covetousness, they become restless, perpetually dissatisfied, and distracted from God’s provision in our lives. The life of Paul, who learned to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:11-13), provides a powerful contrast. He found peace not in what he possessed but in his relationship with Christ. Paul’s heart was aligned with God’s will, enabling him to joyfully endure hardships and rejoice in the sufficiency of God’s grace.

**A Practical Response: Cultivating Heart Alignment**

So how do we cultivate a heart inclined towards God's testimonies? Firstly, we must engage daily with the Scriptures through reading, meditation, and prayer. As we dive deep into His Word, the Holy Spirit enables us to internalize its truths and break the chains of covetous desires.

Secondly, we can practice gratitude. By taking stock of our blessings—big and small—we shift our focus from what we lack to recognizing God’s abundant provision in our lives. This practice shifts our heart posture from one of want to one of praise.

Finally, we need accountability within the body of Christ. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers who encourage us in our spiritual walk helps keep our hearts aligned with God’s purposes.

**Conclusion**

The plea of Psalm 119:36 is one of humility and desperation for alignment. As we daily seek to incline our hearts towards God’s testimonies and away from covetousness, we open ourselves to His transformative work. May our hearts reflect His ways and desires, becoming aligned to seek Him above all else.

Artwork for Psalms 119:36

Psalms 119:36 - "Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness."

"Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness." - Psalms 119:36

Psalms 119:105  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalms 119:106  I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. Psalms 119:107  I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Psalms 119:108  Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. Psalms 119:109  My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. Psalms 119:110  The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Psalms 119:111  Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. Psalms 119:112  I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

Psalms 119:11

Psalms 119:153 - "Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law."

Psalms 119:174 - "I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight."

Psalms 119:61 - "The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law."

Psalms 119:32 - "I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart."

Psalms 119:15

"For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven." - Psalms 119:89

Psalms 119:176 - "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments."

"Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes." - Psalms 119:155

Psalms 119:119 - "Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies."

"I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word." - Psalms 119:158

"Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments." - Psalms 119:137

Psalms 119:3 - "They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways."

"Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." - Psalms 119:138

"Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently." - Psalms 119:4

Psalms 119:24 - "Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors."

Psalms 119:70 - "Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law."

Psalms 119:56 - "This I had, because I kept thy precepts."

Psalms 119:45 - "And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts."

Psalms 119:60 - "I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments."

"It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law." - Psalms 119:126

"Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage." - Psalms 119:54

"The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law." - Psalms 119:85

Psalms 119:103 (KJVA) 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

"And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved." - Psalms 119:47

"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." - Psalms 119:130

Psalms 119:140 - "Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it."