Follow Your Heart
kind of
Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 26-28; Psalm 8
Then King David arose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the are of the covenant of the LORD and for the footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. But God said to me, ‘You many not build a house for my name, for you are man of war and have shed blood…’ He said to me, ‘It is Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father…’ 1 Chronicles 28:2,6
David had a sincere desire to build the temple in Jerusalem. He considered it right and good—a spiritual ambition rooted in reverence. This desire reflected the character of a man after God’s own heart. He didn’t want to construct a palace for himself, but a dwelling place for the ark of the covenant—a “house of rest” for the Lord.
As you read through today’s passage, it’s clear this mattered deeply to David. Though God denied him the role of temple builder, David didn’t sulk or resist. Instead, he prepared extensively for the project and exhorted Solomon, his son, to carry it out with diligence and devotion.
We’re often reminded that our hearts can’t always be trusted—and rightly so. “Follow your heart” may be one of the worst slogans for life guidance. Our hearts are naturally self-serving, easily deceived, and emotionally reactive.
But the solution isn’t to become cynical or to live by the George Costanza method—doing the opposite of whatever your heart says. “Just do the opposite” is just as flawed as blind emotionalism.
David’s example offers a balanced path:
When our hearts are in tune with God’s Spirit and formed by walking with Him, they can generate good and godly desires.
Still, even noble desires must be submitted to God’s will, His Word, and wise counsel.
Here are three checks for your heart’s inclinations:
The Word of God – Does your desire align with Scripture’s commands and principles?
Godly counsel – Ask trusted, mature believers for perspective. Others can spot blind spots we miss.
Humble acceptance – Sometimes the desire is good—but it’s meant for someone else to fulfill. Be willing to prepare the way for others, like David did for Solomon.
So, should you follow your heart? Kind of.
Listen to it. Weigh it. Surrender it to the Lord.
And then—walk forward with humility and discernment.
