How is the Word “Heart” Used in the New Testament?: Tim Challies writes, “But then how does the Bible use ‘heart?’ Did you know that the New Testament uses the word ‘heart’ well over a hundred times, but never once to refer to the organ in your chest? It only ever uses it as a metaphor, as a word picture. So what can the heart do according to the Bible?” If you want to read more, click here. It is a really helpful article for interpreting the Bible, understanding what God desires, and for using words in a more responsible manner.
Meditation on Joy: Joy is not an emotion; happiness is. Joy is something deeper, permanent, and less dependent on circumstances. Psalm 30 focuses on joy, but only on the heels of pain. Psalms 30:5 reads: “…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” And Psalms 30: 11–12 declares: “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.” As John 16 makes so clear, pain and joy are often found together. I am convinced that no season in life is void of either. Granted, one season may have lots of joy and a little pain or vice versa, but no season is purely one or the other.
Conversation about Dark Times Between Elrond and Gimli:
“Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens,” said Gimli.
“Maybe,” said Elrond, “but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.”
“Yet sworn word may strengthen quaking heart,” said Gimli.
“Or break it,” said Elrond.
B.J. Condrey, Ph.D. 