“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?” —Jeremiah 17:9
What do you do when emotions run high in your marriage? Let’s be honest, our heart can steer us in the wrong direction.
When something feels off, when we’re misunderstood or mistreated, it’s easy to let our emotions lead. But Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us: our hearts aren’t always trustworthy.
Scripture calls the heart “deceitful” and “desperately sick.” That’s why we need the Holy Spirit to daily reorient our hearts, realigning us with God’s truth, not just our feelings.
In marriage, this shows up when:
We interpret silence as rejection.
We assume motives without asking questions.
We react emotionally instead of responding in love.
There have been times in my marriage where I’ve been hurt, and where I’ve hurt Tammy. My natural response isn’t to move toward her… it’s to pull back, defend, or blame. That’s when I need to remind myself: my heart isn’t always right. It’s time to pause, pray, and pursue the Spirit’s work in me.
Thankfully, the next verse says: “I, the Lord, search the heart…” (Jeremiah 17:10) God knows us better than we know ourselves. He sees beyond our pain and into the healing we really need.
When I let God speak louder than my feelings, I’m able to love my wife the way I promised—not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard.
That kind of love doesn’t come from a heart that feels like loving. It comes from a heart that’s being transformed.
Let God reorient your heart today.
Reflection Questions:
What lies have I believed lately that might not be rooted in truth?
Am I giving God access to the places in my heart that affect how I treat my spouse?
What’s one way I can love today that goes beyond how I feel?
