A God Centered Heart

I was sharing with my kids today about how to hear from God. As I shared, I used my hands to explain to them the difference between the two types of lives Christians live at times. I held up one hand and above it I held up the other one. The first hand represented a Christian and the second hand signified God.

I let them know that many Christians walk along, knowing God is always with them and understanding that He is “above” them. They talk to Him if they think about it, or if something big comes along that they need help to understand, but too often they are not in constant communication. Really, they treat God like they would treat any other friend. They spend time with their friend when they have the time or when they have a need.

I then held up the hand that represented a Christian, but this time I opened it up and placed the hand that stood for God in the middle of it. I explained that some Christians live with God at their center. They are in constant fellowship or communication with Him. He directs all their thoughts, dreams and attitudes. These Christians aren’t always talking to God, but they are always listening to Him. They know His will at any given moment because they know Him.

My oldest said, “But Mom, aren’t we all like the first example sometimes.”

I said, “Yes, we are. We all tend to move back and forth between the two, but it is my hope that I can teach you to walk with Jesus at your center. I want you to understand that we make ourselves the center and check in with God every so often. That isn’t the way it should be.”

But sadly, I had to admit that I bounce between the two way too much. It is so easy to set my own agenda, thinking all the time that it is His. I set a schedule, keep to it, and then ask if it is okay, never actually listening for the answer. That is when I get way off course, and that is when Jesus has to get my attention.

The key to God centered living is this, I did not give my life to Christ to make Him the Friend of my life, instead I surrendered my life to His Lordship.

In the stillness, I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words to describe it
Jesus You’re more than a friend
Jesus You’re more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul
My heart longs to worship You my King
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed and
I am lost for words to describe it
Jesus You’re more than a friend
Jesus You’re more than my heart could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul.
Jesus You’re more than a friend
You’re more than my heart could ever express.

More Than A Friend by Jeremy Riddle


A God centered life is not easy. It takes sincere discipline and a heart that desires relationship with Jesus above anything (person, place, activity, career…) else.

Are you leading your own life, checking in with God every so often, or are you God centered? Is Jesus your friend or is He your Lord?