Unite My Heart

Read Psalms 79:1 through 86:17

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name (Psalm 86:11).

In this climax to his prayer for guidance, David turns to the inward person, where the motivations for his actions originate. His desire to form right habits is clear: David wants to learn God’s ways so he can know God’s faithfulness, follow God’s ways faithfully, and ultimately to reverence God’s name in word, thought, and deed.

A key phrase in the verse is “an undivided heart.” Other Bible versions translate it: “unite my heart.” And the reason is clear. Humans are often divided in loyalty, being pulled in many directions.

Both the apostle Paul and James, the brother of the Lord, expressed similar ideas. Paul said that he was at odds with his flesh (Romans 7:14–20), and James wrote that our doubts are evidence of being double-minded (James 1:5–8).

The Psalmist gave such a simple remedy: “Teach me your way, Lord, . . . give me an undivided heart.” And when we listen and learn, we will find the grace to rely on God’s faithfulness and reverence His name!

PRAYER SUGGESTION: “Unite my heart to fear Your name.”