Heart of the Matter

“The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart.”
Loren Thornburg

The ‘heart of the matter’ is a saying we use to refer to the core of something.  Often times we use it to refer to that which is at the root of an issue or causing the problem.  As the heart of a human is the most vital organ, so the heart of the matter is the most important part.   What I am finding is the ‘heart of the matter’ for most of my problems is in fact my heart.  Only, I don’t mean in the physical functioning of propelling blood through the body.  Instead I am talking about the other definition of heart, the inmost or most central part.  It is my innermost being, the emotional component.  This is the real ‘heart of the matter.‘  So often we spend so much time taking care of the outside that we forget that the real ‘heart of the matter’ is what is going on in the inside.   The truth is real change happens from the inside out.  The ‘heart of the matter’ of the kid acting out is not that he can’t get his act together, but that he’s hurting; the mom yelling at her kids is hurting, the driver with road rage is hurting.  We all have places that are begging us to see...our hearts are the ‘heart of the matter.’

“Speak to the heart of Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her time of suffering is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of Jehovah's hand double for all her sins.”

Isaiah 40:2 Darby Bible Translation

Heart is referred to over 500 times in the bible and not in reference to the organ, but to describe the seat of emotions, desires, appetites, emotions, courage, mind, determination, reflection, and soul.  God is about our hearts and loves to speak to them.  After many chapters of judgment and conviction God brings a word of comfort meant to minister to the hearts. This is a reflection of Himself.  He is about your heart.  Whatever the situation it seems the ‘heart of the matter’ for God is your heart.  So if you’re wondering what God is doing in the midst of your situation it probably has to do with the hearts of those involved.  You can trust that He has your heart in mind.