What are you holding on to?
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear. ~ Psalms 66:18
Our hearts are like vessels, holding a wide variety of emotions, memories, and desires. We can hold on to good things like joy, hope, and love, but what we tend to hold on to are things that weigh us down—such as fear of the future, worry, bitterness, and pain from the past. Psalm 66:18 speaks about holding onto iniquity in our hearts, warning us that doing that can hinder our relationship with God. When we cling to sin or unaddressed issues, it creates a barrier that blocks our prayers and drowns out the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.
Iniquity can take many forms, from hidden struggles and judgmental attitudes to unresolved anger and resentment. If we take a moment to examine our hearts, we can recognize the voices of these hindrances. They don’t bring peace or joy, but instead stir up anxiety, bitterness, and unrest. Holding onto these negative emotions and hidden sins silences the guidance of the Holy Spirit and fills that sacred space with inner turmoil.
I experienced this recently in a subtle way. I had been praying about a decision, and I sensed God’s direction. I assumed that it was something my husband and I would pursue together. However, when he didn’t feel led in the same way, I dismissed the idea, thinking it must not be the right time. In my heart, I closed the door on that direction, convinced it wasn’t for now since we weren’t in agreement on it.
But a few days later, as I sought my heavenly Father’s guidance on a separate matter, I felt disconnected and strangely empty. I couldn’t shake the sense that something was blocking me from hearing Him clearly. In that moment, I knew I needed to go back to the last thing God had spoken to me. When I asked Him to reveal what was blocking my heart, He gently reminded me of the previous direction. This path wasn’t about my husband’s calling—it was a call for me to follow on my own. My reluctance to take this uncomfortable step had become a subtle form of resistance in my heart, creating a barrier to fully hearing from the One Who loves me most.
Now I understand that even our hesitations and reluctance can become “blockages” when we let them take the place over God’s leading. Whether it’s a blatant sin, unresolved hurt, or even our unwillingness to embrace God’s plan, anything that takes priority in our hearts can disrupt our relationship with Him and shut down the lines of communication in our hearts.
There are some preventative measures you can take to ensure that you are not allowing sin, iniquity or any thought to affect your relationship with your loving heavenly Father such as:
Examine Your Heart daily – Take some quiet time to honestly examine what’s in your heart. Ask yourself if there’s anything blocking your connection with God. Pray Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart… See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Confess and Release – Be ready to bring these barriers before God. If it’s a hidden sin, a painful memory, or even reluctance to follow His direction, confess it and release it to Him. God is faithful and willing to forgive and restore. He is gentle and will give you the grace you need to get rid of every obstruction.
Obey His Last Word to You – Sometimes we need to go back to the last instruction or impression God placed on our hearts. Ask if there is anything He’s asked you to do that you’ve been putting off. Take that step in faith, trusting that He will guide you.
Seek Peace and Joy in His Presence – When you clear your heart, you make room for His peace, joy, and presence. Spend time in worship and gratitude, letting His Spirit renew and refresh you.
Embrace the Uncomfortable – If God is calling you to a step that feels difficult, remember that His plans are always for your good. Embrace the unknown, trusting that He will equip and strengthen you along the way. Remember that your Father in heaven always has your best interest in His heart and He will always lead you to His greatest blessing and fulfillment in life.
Today I want to encourage you to recognize anything in your heart that might be hindering your relationship with your Father in heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the hidden sins, fears, or resistances that have taken up space in your heart. Surrender all your thoughts and emotions to Him trusting that His way is always best. Then step into a deeper relationship with Him, so that your heart will be in a place where His peace and joy reign. Let Psalm 66 reminds you that a heart fully yielded to God is a heart that hears Him. Lastly, choose to clear out anything that may be blocking that connection and step into the fullness of His presence and direction.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 66
1 Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
2 Sing out the honor of His name; Make His praise glorious.
3 Say to God, “How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You.
4 All the earth shall worship You and sing praises to You; They shall sing praises to Your name.” Selah
5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
6 He turned the sea into dry land; They went through the river on foot. There we will rejoice in Him.
7 He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8 Oh, bless our God, you peoples! and make the voice of His praise to be heard,
9 Who keeps our soul among the living, and does not allow our feet to be moved.
10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined.
11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs.
12 You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment.
13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings; I will pay You my vows,
14 Which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.
15 I will offer You burnt sacrifices of fat animals, with the sweet aroma of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah
16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.
17 I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.
18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.
19 But certainly God has heard me He has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy from me!
The Daily Dose 