The Anatomy of the Heart

A few years ago, I experienced some weird dizziness and vision episodes. I quickly got in to see my Ophthalmologist because a good friend of mine had experienced a detached retina, which made me hyper-sensitive when a vision problem arose. Upon examination, the doctor proclaimed my eyes to be fine but did order an echocardiogram of my heart just to make sure there were no clots or blockage that might have caused the episode.

Later, as I watched the technician perform an ultrasound of my heart and the surrounding valves and arteries, I was fascinated by the anatomy and workings of the heart! I could see in the images on the screen, the blood pumping through the valves by the contracting of the heart muscle. It was one of those moments when I was totally awe-struck by the power, intelligence, and creativity of our Creator! (By-the-way, my test was fine, and my symptoms ended up being associated with migraine headaches.)

Just as wondrous as the physical heart, is the other "heart" we all have, the spiritual heart. Everyone has a spiritual heart even if they are not "religious," for we are all made in His image - and He is a spiritual being. This is the metaphorical heart that we think of as the seat of our emotions, thoughts, and our soul. This one will not show up on some fancy medical test, but it's health is paramount to our well-being and, more importantly, to our eternity.

Who or what has captured your heart? That question has only two possible answers - the world or the Lord. It's that simple! Obviously, when faced with those two choices, most of us would want to answer, "The Lord!" Indeed, that is His desire.

• For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. 2 Chron. 16:9 (NAS)

That verse contains a great truth that should bolster us and give us hope. If our hearts are completely His, He will strongly support us! He will undergird us; He will be our stronghold in times of trials and stress; He will be our rock. Who doesn't need that kind of support?

And just like the physical heart that is continually pumping life-giving blood throughout the body, the spiritual heart is continually circulating the very essence of who we are as individuals to ourselves and to those around us.

So, whoever or whatever has captured your heart is what is being circulated. Ouch! I just stepped on my toes! Oh, we can disguise what our heart looks like, talks like - even smells like - for a time. But eventually, our true self seeps out. And eventhough we can camoflague what's really going on in our heart for a while, God knows.

• As for you...know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever. 1 Chron. 28:9 (NAS)

Scripture tells us in several places what the heart looks like if it is living for the world or if it is living for God. It's good to do a self-examination of your heart - first, to see who it belongs to, and then a re-examination ever so often because the world will slowly creep into your heart like plaque, and before you know it, you are not living like your hearts belong to Him.

Use these passages to perform a spiritual sonogram of your heart:

• But the words you speak come from the heart - that's what defiles you. From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander... Matt. 15:18-19 (NLT)
• Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing.... Gal. 5:19-21 (NAS)
• Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowances for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts...always be thankful... Col. 3:12-15 (NLT)

So when the technician reads your test to see what and how things are circulating, what will the results be? Will she see your heart filled with the corosion of the world? Or will she see clear arteries stamped with God's approval?

That is a question that each one needs to ask ourself as we reflect on the anatomy of our own heart. Hopefully, we will see the attributes of God flowing steadily through us and out into the world around us. If not, we need futher treatment.