"What We Focus on Most Is Where Our Hearts Will Be"

Our hearts are the center of everything in our lives. Much like a compass, the condition and focus of our hearts determine the direction we take. When navigating unfamiliar terrain, we rely on a compass to stay oriented, avoid getting lost, and move steadily toward our intended destination. In the same way, the alignment of our hearts guides us through life.

Whatever we allow into our hearts will influence the decisions we make, the paths we choose, and the outcomes we experience—whether good or bad.

Who (or What) Is on the Throne of Your Heart?

One of the greatest hindrances to breakthrough is placing something else in the seat where only God belongs. God does not compete for space. He won’t fight for our attention with money, relationships, careers, children, or even ministry.

Let’s bring this closer to home. God won’t compete with:

• The stress from your job.

• The anxiety over your finances.

• The pain of a struggling marriage.

• The loneliness of desiring companionship.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting change or breakthrough in these areas. But the danger lies in letting those desires dominate our hearts. When they consume us, they become our “treasure”—and the Word reminds us:

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

If we truly desire breakthrough, our greatest longing must be for God Himself, not just the resolution of our problems. He must reign in the center of our hearts.

Guarding What Matters Most

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” – Proverbs 4:23

It’s easy to unintentionally move God to second place when challenges arise. Whether it's children acting out, a spouse who’s not on the same page, or a stressful job—none of these give us permission to dethrone God.

And yet, we often do just that. We continue to pray and ask for God’s help, but we’re still in the driver’s seat, trying to fix it all ourselves. Then we wonder why He isn’t moving. But the truth is, God doesn’t share His glory—He desires to do the work His way.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” – Luke 22:42

This verse reminds us that surrender is not easy. Letting go and allowing God to lead may even feel painful—but it’s necessary. We cannot ask for a miracle while clinging to fear, control, or doubt. Faith and fear cannot sit in the same seat.

Wholehearted Praise Brings His Presence

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name."
— Psalm 103:1

True worship is more than singing songs—it’s a surrender. It’s choosing to lay down our worries, our plans, our pride, and our pain, and instead lift up the name of the Lord. It’s exalting Him above every circumstance, even when life feels overwhelming. When we worship God with our whole heart, something powerful happens: His presence fills the space.

Praise Is an Invitation

Praise is not a warm-up before the message. It’s not filler. It’s not optional. Praise is the gateway—the entrance—into the manifest presence of God. It’s an invitation that God never declines. When we choose to praise Him—not just with our lips but with our entire being—we’re saying, “Come in, Lord. Take over. You are welcome here.”

Psalm 22:3 says that God inhabits the praises of His people. That means when we praise Him, He doesn’t just watch—He dwells with us. His presence becomes tangible. We may not always see it with our eyes, but our hearts begin to sense it. Peace settles. Fear lifts. Joy starts to rise.

What Happens When We Exalt God?

1. We Realign Our Focus
   Exalting God takes our eyes off our problems and puts them on the Problem-Solver. It lifts us out of the chaos and places us in a higher perspective—one that sees from Heaven's view.

2. We Exchange Burdens for Peace
   In God’s presence, burdens are lifted. Anxiety melts away. Why? Because we’re no longer trying to carry everything on our own. We’re placing it all in His capable hands.

3. We Are Strengthened Spiritually
   Isaiah 40:31 says those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. Praise becomes a spiritual refueling station. We leave stronger than we came in.

4. We Hear More Clearly
   In the noise of life, God’s voice can be hard to hear. But in worship, the distractions begin to fade, and our spiritual ears tune in to His whisper. His presence brings clarity, conviction, and comfort.

5. We Experience Joy
   Psalm 16:11 tells us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy. Not a hint of it. Not partial joy. Fullness. The kind of joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances but flows from deep communion with Him.

6. We Become More Like Him
   You reflect what you behold. The more time we spend in His presence—worshipping, surrendering, listening—the more we begin to carry His heart, His character, and His compassion into the world around us.

Why Praise with Your Whole Heart?

Because half-hearted worship leads to a half-felt experience. God wants our whole heart—not just the parts we’re comfortable showing. When we praise with our whole heart, we’re saying, “You’re worthy of everything I have—every breath, every tear, every joy, every sorrow.” And in return, He meets us with His fullness.

It brings Him into our circumstances.

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” – Proverbs 15:13
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 (NLT)

When we trust God with our whole hearts and surrender control, He promises to direct our paths. He doesn’t want us lost, anxious, or steering alone. He wants to be Lord of our hearts—not just in word, but in action and desire.