A Stirring of the Heart

My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.  –Psalm 45:1 

I love Psalm 45, but verse one certainly gets my attention.  What does it mean to have our hearts stirred?  We all probably understand that imagery to some degree, but consider how it applies to us as individuals.  Certain situations and feelings have the potential to create what the psalmist referred to as a stirring of the heart.  For many people, especially this time of year, their hearts are stirred by their favorite football team.  A song that has a special meaning for us can stir our hearts as well.  When we think about someone we love; a spouse, children, or grandchildren, that also stirs our hearts.  When the heart is stirred we experience powerful emotions which are at work inside of us.  This can often be a pleasant and rewarding experience.   

We also will understand that our hearts can be stirred in some negative ways as well.  Anger is a stirring of the heart, as is jealousy, hatred, bitterness, and sorrow.  Such negative emotions can create serious problems if not brought under control.  What the psalmist is referring to are the noble aspects of life that can stir our hearts in positive ways.  His heart was being stirred by “a noble theme.”  What exactly was the noble theme that was creating such a powerful stirring within his heart?  This psalm spoke of someone who loves righteousness, hates wickedness, and has therefore been blessed by God (V 7).  Seeking to live a life that honors God is a noble pursuit, thus a noble theme to contemplate.

The New Testament gives us numerous examples of what constitutes those noble themes that can stir the heart in positive ways.  Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Contemplating these truths can bring about a wonderful stirring of the heart.  When we center our thoughts, attitudes, and actions on the Lord Jesus Christ, then we are empowered to have His love and grace functioning in us.  And when we are daily in the Word of God, our minds are renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2), which further empowers us to noble and godly thinking. 

What sorts of thoughts are you contemplating today?  Are those musing and meditations stirring your heart in a positive way?  If not, then go back and begin to pray, and contemplate the amazing treasures in God’s Word.  What follows will be a blessed stirring of the heart. 

Look to Christ Jesus today.  He is always able to stir our hearts toward what is right.