Lies of the HeartSample

This is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. It is on graduation cards, coffee mugs, and framed art. And while it is absolutely beautiful, most people who quote it do not know the context. God gave this promise through Jeremiah at a time when His people were experiencing devastating consequences for their rebellion. They were being taken into captivity in Babylon, and the Temple—the symbol of God’s presence—was being destroyed. Yet in the middle of this heartbreaking moment, God’s word to them was one of hope. He was reminding them that His plans were not for their destruction, but for their future, their restoration, and ultimately for their good.

What stands out to me is that God did not just give them an instant rescue plan. Instead, He called them to seek Him. He promised that when they sought Him with all their hearts, they would find Him. He was not hiding, and He was not toying with them. His desire was always to be found by His people, even in their darkest moment.

There is a song I love by Steffany Gretzinger called Pieces where she sings, “You don’t give your heart in pieces / And You don’t hide Yourself to tease us.” That is the heart of God. He is not playing games with you. He does not withhold Himself from you. He wants you to know Him, to find Him, and to trust that He is faithful.

This section is called “Lies of the Heart” because so often, that is where the real battle happens. Lies may begin in the mind, but they seep down into our hearts and shape the way we see ourselves, God, and the world. When our hearts are wounded or disappointed, Satan loves to plant lies that take root in those tender places. He whispers things like, “You’re forgotten. You’ll never be enough. God isn’t really for you.” And over time, those lies shape the way we live.

But God’s truth is greater. His Word anchors us when our hearts feel unsteady. He promises that if we seek Him with everything we have, we will find Him. That means He is not distant. He is not silent. He is not ignoring you. He is near, waiting for you to turn to Him.

You were created for a loving relationship with your Heavenly Father. Even if you had the most wonderful parents, their love could never compare to the perfect, steadfast love of God. And for many of us, our family life was marked by pain, disappointment, or unmet needs. The enemy tries to use those moments to plant seeds of lies—seeds that tell us God will be the same way. But God has proven time and time again that He is faithful. He redeems, restores, and brings hope even in places we thought were too broken.

Reflection Question: How has God proven faithful to you in the past, and how does that give you confidence to seek Him wholeheartedly now?