The world often tells us to “follow our heart” and that everything will turn out great. This philosophy is seen in countless movies, songs, and self-help books. The idea is that our hearts know what’s best for us and that listening to our inner desires will lead to happiness and fulfillment.
However, there are many examples of people following their hearts only to end up in disappointment or even ruin. Consider the story of someone who quit their stable job to pursue a dream based on a fleeting passion, only to find themselves struggling. Or the tale of someone who followed their heart into a relationship that seemed perfect at first but later turned toxic and painful.
God has quite a different message for us in Deuteronomy 29:19. The verse warns us about the dangers of following our own desires, especially when they lead us away from God’s commandments. It speaks of a person who hears God’s warnings but convinces themselves that they will still have peace, even while walking in their own ways and adding “drunkenness to thirst,” or sin to sin.
Deuteronomy 29:19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:
It’s one thing to sin and face the consequences, but it’s another thing entirely to deceive ourselves into thinking we will be blessed for our foolish actions. The truth is the opposite: God will hold us accountable. The Bible is full of stories about people who stood against God, believing they would still receive His blessings. Time and again, they faced destruction instead.
The only way to have true peace is to make peace with God. This means admitting our wrongs and humbling ourselves before Him. When we align our hearts with God’s will, we find the peace and blessings that come from living according to His commandments.
Following our hearts may sound appealing, but it’s a path fraught with danger. Instead, let’s follow God’s heart and His guidance, which leads to true peace and joy.
