Matters of the Heart

A few days after the new year began, I noticed that several businesses had removed their Christmas decorations and replaced them with Valentine’s Day hearts, ribbons, and red flowers. ”What happened to January?” I wondered. Is there nothing to celebrate after New Year’s Day?

A few days later, my husband told his Primary Care Physician that he has turned eighty and has been a diabetic for forty years. The PCP suggested he have a heart check, since diabetes is associated with heart disease.  My husband agreed and made an appointment with a cardiologist, who scheduled an echo cardiogram. That showed some abnormalities, and the doctor scheduled a heart catheterization. My husband was awake enough during the procedure to hear the physician say, “This isn’t working,” as he pushed an instrument through an artery in my husband’s arm. Choosing a different artery, the doctor finished the procedure. He told me there were multiple blockages, and he recommended that my husband have bypass surgery. At this writing, we’re awaiting a surgery date.

Needless to say, I’ve been pondering the workings of the heart. I noticed that the Bible has much to say about this vital organ. Jesus said the greatest commandment is this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30, NIV).  Proverbs 3:5 instructs us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”  Jesus comforted His disciples with these words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1, NIV).

These are all great reminders from God’s word that He has everything under control. It is far better for me to rely on God’s power and healing, than to expend my energy in worry. I know my husband is in good hands with his surgeon, and God will be walking with them through this triple bypass. So, with God’s help, I have determined to trust. Knowing myself, however, I will slip into worry, and I will need reminders to step back into trusting God and leaning on Him. How about you?