“The Test That Reveals the Condition of the Heart”

Written By Renee Pratt

This is part of an ongoing series where we’ve already explored:

  • The Test of Sacrifice

  • The Test of Faith During Difficult Seasons

Today, we move into a deeper and more personal place:
The Test That Reveals the Condition of the Heart.

Many of us would not hesitate to go to a doctor when something feels off—
to investigate pain, identify the source of discomfort, or commit to an annual physical to maintain good health.

Yet, when it comes to our spiritual well-being, many shy away from examining the true condition of our hearts.

Before we go any further, we must understand this:
The heart is central to everything.

Understanding the Heart Through Scripture

Let’s walk through what the Word says about the heart—one truth at a time:

  • “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
    → What we value most reveals where our heart truly lies.

  • “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)
    → We cannot rely on our own perception—we need God to reveal truth to us.

  • “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45)
    → Our words are a direct reflection of what lives within us.

  • “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.” (Mark 7:20)
    → It’s not external things—but what is inside—that shapes our spiritual condition.

  • “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?… He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” (Psalm 24:3–4)
    → Access to God’s presence is connected to the condition of our hearts.

The Connection Between the Heart and Our Lives

While we often focus on physical health, many of the struggles we face in our bodies are connected to what is happening internally—in our hearts.

The Bible tells us: “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6)

Anxiety leads to worry.
Worry affects the body.
And worry often points to areas where we are not fully trusting God.

So when we examine our hearts, we begin to uncover:
Where am I not trusting God?

Because what is in our hearts will always manifest:

  • Negative words → reveal the heart

  • Negative thoughts → reflect the heart

  • Emotional reactions → expose the heart

If we had to choose what matters more—the physical or the spiritual condition of the heart—
the spiritual heart must take priority.

Testing Reveals What’s Within

We see this clearly in the life of King Nebuchadnezzar.
God allowed his heart to be tested—not to destroy him, but to transform him.

Because testing does several things:

  • Builds character

  • Strengthens our faith

  • Deepens our trust in God

  • Reveals the condition of our hearts

  • Prepares us for the assignments God has for us

And while we may not sit on a throne like a king,
in God’s kingdom, we are all called to lead in some capacity.

That means there are qualities and characteristics God is developing in us—
and many of them are revealed through testing.

Everyday Moments Reveal the Heart

The condition of our heart shows up in the small, everyday moments:

  • When a cashier gives us the wrong change—do we correct it or keep quiet?

  • When someone falsely accuses us—do we defend with grace or react in anger?

  • When someone hurts us—do we forgive or hold on?

  • When someone cuts us off in traffic—what rises up in us?

Our reactions are indicators of our heart condition.

Why We Avoid Heart Examination

Let’s be honest—why do we avoid this?

  • Because we want to be right

  • Because we want justice—or even revenge

  • Because of pride

  • Because sometimes we believe our reactions are justified

And truthfully—who wants to confront the parts of themselves that aren’t pretty?

But here’s what we often miss:

Allowing God to deal with our hearts is freeing.

When we hold onto things that don’t serve us, we enter into bondage.
But when we release them, we experience peace and freedom.

An Invitation to Let God Search Our Hearts

The Psalmist said:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart… test me and know my anxious thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)

This is the posture we must take.

Because being bound—by offense, pride, fear, or unforgiveness—
can keep us distant from God’s presence.

Yes, we have access to salvation.
But the Word reminds us that we are to be continually transformed—becoming more like Christ daily.

It is a process.

And God’s desire is not just that we survive—
but that we live abundantly (John 10:10).

Closing Charge

When we allow God to examine and test our hearts,
we open ourselves up to:

  • Freedom

  • Healing

  • Growth

  • Alignment with His will

And ultimately, we position ourselves to walk fully in our purpose—
to see our passions fulfilled and our God-given dreams come to pass.

Renee Pratt
Next

The Test Of Faith During Difficult Seasons