Longing for Revival

The very word revival stirs up a variety of thoughts, feelings and sentiments when raised in the context of church culture. I suspect most of us have at some pointed prayer or longed for one, ideally both. Whether or not we have ever read about or experienced one I want to look at how we view them. I believe there are two primary ways of thinking about revival. We can view revival as an event or an outcome.

This may present as a strange way of considering the subject but I think it highlights something very important. I remember decades ago reading a comment by Dr. Larry Crabb in one of his counselling books. He raised the idea of working toward our goals and praying for our desires. I think there is wisdom in that idea. I can easily apply it to my arthritic knees, particularly my left one. I pray for healing, my desire, while at the same time working toward my goal of maintaining the function of my knees by specific and regular exercises.

In applying that to revival, as with my knees, there is a twofold process to consider. We have revival as an event and when I hear people speak of it that is how others often seem to perceive it. Yet if we dig and little deeper and excavate some of the rubble, I think we will see it as an outcome,  an event as the result of something. Clear examples of that are major revivals we see in scripture. We will begin with Josiah.

2 Kings 22:8–13 (NKJV)

8 Then Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 So Shaphan the scribe went to the king, bringing the king word, saying, “Your servants have gathered the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of those who do the work, who oversee the house of the Lord.” 10 Then Shaphan the scribe showed the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king.

11 Now it happened, when the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. 12 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam the son of Shaphan, Achbor the son of Michaiah, Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king, saying, 13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, for the people and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found; for great is the wrath of the Lord that is aroused against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.”

Here the book of the Law was found and was read to Josiah. He began to reign at age 8 and was now 26. In hearing the book of the Law read Josiah was moved to initiate a major revival in Israel. The event we see is a revival, major change in Israel. However, this event is the outcome of something that took place 8 years earlier.

2 Chronicles 34:3 (NKJV)

3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek the God of his father David; and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the wooden images, the carved images, and the molded images.

The groundwork for the major revival and reforms of Josiah was his pursuing of Yahweh years earlier.

The most important revival most of us in the church know of began on the day of Pentecost after Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. We find it in Acts and the event in response to Peter’s first sermon was 3,000 people being saved (Acts 2:1-42). This was only the beginning of powerful revival, healings and miracles. In Acts 1 we have evidence that the event on the day of Pentecost was the outcome of a 10 day prayer meeting. Yet a deeper look shows that all of this was preceded by a larger plan.

Revelation 13:8 (NKJV)

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Jesus crucifixion and resurrection were planned from the beginning of the world. So, back to my knee example. Let us desire revival in our lifetime, an event that transforms our communities and the lives of many. In concert with our desiring revival let us continue in the place of prayer trusting that our Father is planning on bringing it about as an outcome of our praying and a furthering of His purpose.

Unite My Heart

In this post I am continuing to focus on our heart focus. To that end here is something significant that David wrote.

Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)

11   Teach me Your way, O Lord;

I will walk in Your truth;

Unite my heart to fear Your name.

The note in my bible says the alternate translation of the phrase ‘unite my heart’ is ‘give me singleness of heart.’ In essence David was praying for his heart to have a singular focus on the ways of Yahweh so that he could walk in truth. If we study David’s life it is obvious that he had a few failures on this journey. I am confident we have all had failures. Yet if we want to walk in Yahweh’s ways, which are truth, we need only look to David’s approach and emulate it.

In addition to the above verse David is also recorded as the author of the following two verses.

Psalm 103:7 (NKJV)

7     He made known His ways to Moses,

His acts to the children of Israel.

Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

4     One thing I have desired of the Lord,

That will I seek:

That I may dwell in the house of the Lord

All the days of my life,

To behold the beauty of the Lord,

And to inquire in His temple.

We don’t know the order in which David wrote Psalms 27, 103 and 86. However, what is evident is his possession of a singular desire to pursue God with all his heart, a recognition of the need to go beyond His acts to His ways, and an awareness that he needed God’s help to succeed. If we examine David’s life both the failures and successes are evident. While David only receives a passing mention in the hall of faith chapter in Hebrews 11:32, scripture testifies about two commendations that David was given that no one else in scripture ever received.

David is referred to as a man after God’s own heart in 1 Samuel 13:14 by Samuel and in Acts 13:22 by Paul. David is the only one in scripture described in this way. The description was given before David was anointed and called to be king because God knew his heart, both the coming failures and the continual pursuit of God’s heart. The other commendation is that Jesus is seated on the throne of David even though Saul was Israel’s first king. The throne was seen by God as being truly established by David and was prepared for Jesus (Luke 1:32).

In relation to our hearts the message of David’s life is twofold. First, it isn’t about whether we fail, we all will to some extent, it is about the desire of our heart before and after we fail. Secondly, it is about the reality that God’s final analysis of our lives is based not on our failures but on our pursuit of His heart. David had some major failures but each time his eventual response was one of repentance and a renewed seeking of God’s heart. Should we choose to do likewise we too can look forward to a commendation from the Lord on that great day. 

Let’s ask Him to help us to be people after His heart.

Heart Focus

Heart focus may sound odd given that we see through our eyes. However, what affects our lives the most is not where we have our focus at any given moment so much as how we are looking. That is, the factors that are adjusting our focus. What we see depends both on what we see and how we see. This is why Jesus highlights the importance of how we look.  

Matthew 6:22–23 (NKJV)

22  “The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

The above verses, like any others, have a context. Jesus message here and in the broader passage is about our heart focus. The word ‘good’ is translated as ‘healthy in the ESV and ‘clear’ in the NASB but the literal meaning of the Greek word haplous is ‘single,’ as in being focused on one thing. This is how the KJV translates the word and captures the meaning. In the preceding verse Jesus addressed our focus by referring to our heart and later He connects it to pursuing two things, God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

Matthew 6:21 (NKJV)

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

From these verses and their context, we should arrive at the idea that Jesus thinks our focus is important. That what affects our seeing is what our heart is treasuring. We can ‘see’ this by reflecting on many different gospel examples. Think of how the religious leaders saw the poor and broken as sinners deserving of their status while Jesus saw them as broken and lost and needing compassion and salvation. They saw the same people but they looked through different hearts. Jesus even had to rebuke His followers at times for holding wrong heart attitudes that affected their seeing.

So, let us get to the ‘how’ of what Jesus is instructing. Adjusting our focus by adjusting our heart attitudes. If we familiar with how a laser works, we know it is concentrated light. Its effectiveness comes from a intense concentrated focus. In a similar manner our spiritual effectiveness comes from developing a concentrated focus. What enables us to develop and maintain a single heart focus is intentionally shaping our heart attitude. Paul put it this way.

Philippians 4:8 (NKJV)

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

When we choose to intentionally and habitually focus on the true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good and virtuous we develop hearts that sees as Jesus sees. Our eye is good and our body is full our light. Our heart focus is on what He values and we walk in agreement with the kingdom of God.

The Sound of Heaven

I am no musician, as I am sure others will attest, and though I love to worship I cannot read a note of music. Yet I do know that in tuning an instrument it needs to be tuned to vibrate in harmony with the note on the tuning fork. For example, the tuning of a piano. When the tuning fork is struck it gives off sound and then the tension on the string on the piano needs to be adjusted so that it vibrates in harmony with the sound of the tuning fork. The tuning fork sets the standard.

In a similar manner our lives are to be tuned, adjusted to His presence and purpose over and above our desires, adjusted to His standard. Ideally our desires will align with His. Yet in my experience, and I know it is the same for many others, they are often in conflict. I don’t believe we will ever fully understand all the where’s and whys of His purposes from the perspective of earth. However, just as the piano string needs to be turned, stretched and adjusted to stay in harmony with the note on the tuning fork, He is continually adjusting our lives to be in harmony with His purpose whether or not we understand it.

To carry this a little further think of a traditional upright piano. We see the pianist striking the keys and we hear sounds come forth from the piano. However, the keys are not producing the music. The keys activate a pad that strikes a string that produces a sound. Activity is taking place inside the piano. In a similar manner, what expresses Jesus character through us is something that takes place where He works, on the inside, in our spirits.

I believe that we need to tune our hearts to hear and respond to the sound of heaven inside! One way I find to do this is to engage deeply in worship. When I worship Him and begin to encounter His presence, I find He is tuning my heart to hear His voice. I become sensitized to what He is saying and doing in a room, with a group of people. He begins to reveal things to me. You may experience that through reading the word or praying. I find intimate worship the most effective tool to tune my heart to hear His voice, to move in harmony with Him. My desire is expressed in a line from a song I wrote in the 90’s, “I’m moved by Your moving within.” I desire to encounter His presence within and then give expression to what He is doing and minister to others.

Let’s ask Him to tune the strings of our hearts to vibrate in harmony with His presence and purpose. As Paul put it.

Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)

27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Here is a song that reflects the tuning of our hearts Can you hear the sound of heaven – YouTube

The Hope of Glory

I last wrote about the idea of Jesus drawing us to Himself and us being drawn to Him. I want to go a little further. When Jesus walked on the earth He lived in two places at once but He only acted out of one place. That may sound strange but He both lived on earth and before His Father. Yet His every action flowed out of His communion with His Father. He described His dual location this way.

John 3:13 (NKJV)

13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven.

He then went on to describe the place He lived from.

John 5:19 (NKJV)

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

Jesus acted out of this place of communion with His Father and revealed His Father. We are called to reveal Jesus. In fact Paul expressed succinctly in Colossians the reality of the source we are to live from.

Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)

27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Jesus being manifest through us happens by our learning to live from Him in us. Paul told us that the way to do this was to recognize where to put our focus.

Colossians 3:1–4 (NKJV)

3 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

I believe based on scripture that Paul stepped into this way of life from his conversion on. I don’t believe he did it without error but it is clear that he did it. He expressed it this way.

Galatians 1:15–16 (NKJV)

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

Just as Jesus revealed Himself through Paul He has revealed Himself through many down through the centuries and wants each of us to be part of that company. In January of 2020 I felt the word the Lord gave me for the year was, “The church needs to find her voice.” I had no idea at the time how true that would prove to be. While many seemed to feel it was about voices raised in protest, over the year I became convinced it was about finding our voice in the place of intercession before Him. As 2021 begins I feel He has emphasized Psalm 29. I encourage each of us to read it because it isn’t about our voice, it is about His voice being heard. There are many voices in our culture competing for our attention. To sort through them let us get into His presence and tune our hearts to hear Him speak. Let us pray that many will be raised up who will speak His word for this hour, that we will both hear His voice through His servants and be servants through whom His voice is heard.

Draw Me

The first line in Song of Songs 1:4 is very powerful.

Draw me away! (Song of Songs 1:4 NKJV)

Sit with that heart cry – Draw me away.

When Jesus trod the dusty streets and hills of Israel He didn’t walk around with a sign that said “I am the Messiah!” So what drew people to Him and what drew Him to certain people? I think these are important questions to consider because I think they can teach us a good deal about what will deepen our walk with Him today. We can assume it was His miraculous ministry but if we start at the beginning we find it isn’t the case. In John we read the following.

35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

37 The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?”

They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?”

39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour).

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus.

Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone). John 1:35–42 (NKJV)

We can infer from the passage the Andrew and the other disciple of John the Baptist possessed a hunger for more because they were already following John the Baptist when Jesus came on the scene. When Jesus asked what they wanted there answer clearly pointed to their desire to be wherever Jesus was. At this point the only major thing that had happened were the events at Jesus baptism. Yet they saw something in Jesus and He saw something in them.

When we consider this we know that Jesus lived on earth but that He also lived in and from another realm. He simultaneously dwelt in the presence of people and before His Father in communion with Him. For the spiritually hungry this was what drew them, they sensed the fragrance of that realm. Here is how Jesus put it.

6     Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 (NKJV)

I believe it is our hunger for reality that draws Him to our hearts. I have known people who regularly saw and smelled things in the spirit realm, both good and bad. I know in my own life I have had a couple of experiences of smelling a wonderful fragrance during worship. On another occasion while a few of us were worshipping in a sanctuary there was a beautiful singing accompanying us from high up in the corner of ceiling in the sanctuary. I think at those times the veil between the natural and spiritual realms was simply lifted a bit and what was really real, the spiritual realm, broke through.

As we enter into a new year it seems wise to ask Him to draw our heart away, to increase our hunger for Him and to deepen our awareness of the heavenly realm we are called to, to pull back the veil so that we might function more fully in the two realms the born again are called to walk in.

More to come.

A Change of Identity

Who and what are we? If we are walking with Jesus the answer to that question lies in the scriptures. There is a great example in the Old Testament (OT) of how we can answer the question. Most of us are likely familiar with the story of Elijah and Elisha and what happened when Elijah left Elisha. We pick up the story in 2 Kings. Rather than focusing on Elisha’s perseverance I want to focus in on what happened after Elijah was taken up to heaven.

12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.

15 Now when the sons of the prophets who were fromJericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him. 2 Kings 12-15

If you fellowship in some circles you will hear a lot about people receiving the mantles of others. However, while that happened here, look at what preceded it. In the OT the tearing of one’s clothes is usually a sign of mourning. Yet we have no evidence of any mourning by Elisha. In fact later in the story (verses 16-18) the others want to search for Elijah’s body and he tells them not to bother. He is at rest with Elijah being taken up. What Elijah did was tear his clothes in two, they were now no longer functional for him, and take up Elijah’s mantle. He embraced a new identity. He had been Elijah’s servant, now he took his own place as leader of the sons of the prophets (those serving and being discipled). He embraced a new identity.  

Elisha’s action foreshadowed our call to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, to put off the old man and take up the new. Lest you think I am reading too much into the text let us move forward and hear from Paul.

19 My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, Galatians 4:19 (NKJV)

20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:20-24 NKJV

11 Likewise you also, [a]reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:11 NKJV

The Lord loves uniqueness and so makes every snowflake different and calls each one of us into our own walk and relationship with Him. At the same time He calls each and every one of us to embrace a new identity. To tear off our old identity and take up a new mantle, putting on Jesus nature and cooperating with His grace so Jesus is formed in us and manifest through us.

I heard a pastor share one time that he was talking with a man from the congregation and the man had an outburst of anger. When he challenged him the man said it was because he was just like his father. The pastor responded, “Which father?”

We have a new father, a new identity. Let’s seek His face and sit with Him and His word so that others encounter this ‘new man’ manifest through our lives.

Words of Wisdom

Proverbs contains many examples of how we are to weigh our words.

32  The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. Proverbs 10:32 (NKJV)

Implicit in the word ‘acceptable’ is the idea of knowing what to say when. We are likely all familiar with saying something that didn’t come across as intended. I know I tend to use humour a lot and have used it many times to lighten the mood in difficult or tense situations. While generally effective it didn’t always work. At the same time I wasn’t always tuned into Jesus presence when I spoke. Many years ago a pastor shared an experience with me. While he was doing his theological training he was working as an aide on an adult psychiatric unit. One of the patients was out of control and they had to physically lock him in another room. He felt the need for wisdom so prayed an asked the Lord what to do. He got the distinct impression he was to offer the man a cigarette. He said he responded, “But Lord, You don’t smoke.” The impression wouldn’t leave and he offered the man a cigarette. He immediately calmed down and the situation was resolved. In this case what was ‘acceptable’ didn’t make natural sense but was very effective.   

Conversely the opposite can happen. I remember going to church one morning. I was struggling with something and feeling discouraged. I have no memory of what it was about as this was over 20 years ago. What I do remember was meeting a fellow I knew just outside the door. He asked how I was doing, I told him. He cheerfully responded, “Aren’t you glad we win in the end!” He didn’t know what was acceptable at that moment. It was clear he wasn’t interested in how I was doing and I don’t recall ever sharing anything meaningful with him after that. As stated, while I don’t remember what I was discouraged about all these years later I clearly remember his non helpful response.

If we take this principle of using words that are acceptable it doesn’t mean always being positive and upbeat. It does mean we have our heart tuned to His and know what to say. As it says elsewhere in Proverbs.

13  He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. Proverbs 18:13 (NKJV)

We are called to hear hearts and then respond. If we move to the New Testament Paul said we are to speak the truth in love and he outlined what is to accompany our words.

15  but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head–Christ– Ephesians 4:15 (NKJV)

29  Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)

6  Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6 (NKJV) We are to speak truth in love, speak words that build others up and carry grace and our words are to be salty, they are to have a purifying and preserving effect. This requires a dependence upon Him so if we are not already doing it let’s learn to lean into His heart as we interact with those around us. Particularly in this difficult season.

Hidden in Plain Sight

His word in general can anchor our hearts in difficult times. The writer of Hebrews presented this truth it the following way.

19  This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20  where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 6:19-20 (NKJV)

Paul communicated the same truth in another manner.

1  If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4  When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV)

Our perspective follows where we have placed our expectations. There is a prophetic power in things He quickens to us that can particularly anchor our hearts. I hope we have all had the experience of suddenly seeing something in a new. It was always there, hidden in plain sight, but until something shifted we didn’t see it.

Proverbs are generally pithy statements that contain a principle or general truth and this is how the book of Proverbs is presented. A few years ago I wrote a commentary on Proverbs from this perspective. I had read Proverbs through many times prior and since I wrote the commentary, with the exception of a one month break, I have read through Proverbs every month. This month as I was praying and reading the verses below some of my focus shifted as He quickened these verses to my heart. They were always there and I had read them many times – I just saw them in a new and deeper way.  

21  For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; 22  But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. Proverbs 2:21-22 (NKJV)

While I had always viewed these verses as an encouragement. This time as I read them I saw the verses as a prophetic declaration – Solomon putting forth a truth that would be realized. These verses encouraged and comforted me and affirmed His sovereignty. While the verses didn’t even speak directly to what we are going through I was encouraged and my heart was strengthened because He showed me something that was hidden in plain sight.

So, I encourage you, however you are feeling in this season, if you need encouragement ask Him to pull back the veil from things so that you can see with new eyes and be firmly anchored in the reality of His promises.   

Heart Seasons

Physically where I live we are in winter – a cooler quieter time where even the trees seem to hibernate. Their roots are frozen in the ground and the deciduous trees appear to be dead. Sap, the source of vitality for the tree, is not running. This season prepares us for the glorious beauty of spring. However, we still need to go through winter to arrive at spring.

In reflecting, I appreciate a number of things about winter. I enjoy the sun shining off the snow, the sparkle on the trees and getting out and walking and cross country skiing in trees. At the same time as we near the end of November I start thinking that we only have to get through December, January and February, plus the days start to get longer at Christmas and that it usually doesn’t get really cold in March!

When we have a winter that is usually around five months long it feels like we don’t really have four seasons. One of the standard jokes is that we have two seasons, winter and construction! I think that those orange signs that crop up every spring are protest signs, you know the ones when you near the end of one of the seemly endless road construction projects, ‘End Construction.’

In a similar vein let’s reflect on our hearts. I know for many we have dealt with a seemingly endless season of Covid restrictions, limited social contact, disrupted worship, loss of ‘normalcy’ and other related impacts. It has become very wearying and we are in a place where many of our hearts are crying out in protest, ‘End Covid.’

Yet while we pray and wait it seems wise to consider what He is seeking to accomplish in our hearts in this season. This heart season has created an opportunity for reflection. An opportunity to rest in Him as we wait or the beauty of spring. We can be assured that change will come. The issue is how we will have changed through this process. I know I have a deeper appreciation for the privilege of gathering with others to worship, pray for one another and draw from His word and presence. My goal is not to get back to normal, it is to draw closer to Him and learn to better carry His presence in this season and out from this season. Prepared for His purpose.  

Below are some encouraging verses to strengthen us in this season.

23  Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV)

8  When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

14  Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)

6  My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 (NKJV)