Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box

A Story of Disaster: King Solomon

King Solomon is one of the most tragic examples in the Bible of a person who, despite his wisdom and a good beginning, failed to love God with all his heart. Solomon started out with great devotion, asking God for wisdom to lead the people of Israel. God blessed him with not only wisdom but also immense wealth and influence. However, Solomon’s heart became divided over time. In 1 Kings 11:1-13, it is recorded that Solomon took many foreign wives who led him into idolatry, building altars for other gods and turning away from the Lord. Though he knew God’s commandments, his failure to love God wholeheartedly resulted in God’s judgment. The kingdom of Israel was eventually divided after Solomon’s reign, leading to years of strife, rebellion, and devastation.

A Story of Favor: King David

In contrast, King David, Solomon’s father, is often remembered as a man who loved God with all his heart. Though he made mistakes, including the infamous incident with Bathsheba, David continually turned back to God in repentance and sought His guidance in all things. David’s heart for God is captured beautifully in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22, where God Himself declares that David is “a man after My own heart.” Throughout his life, David was blessed with victories in battle, guidance in leadership, and a covenant with God that promised his descendants would sit on the throne forever. David’s wholehearted devotion to God resulted in divine favor, and it was through his lineage that the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would ultimately come into the world.

These stories remind us of the importance of loving God wholeheartedly. Where divided devotion leads to disaster, loving God with all your heart brings lasting favor and blessing.

Loving God with all your heart brings profound benefits, both spiritually and physically. Scripture promises greater peace, joy, emotional healing, and strength in difficult times (Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 147:3). Wholehearted devotion to God enhances our relationships, provides guidance, and fosters spiritual growth (1 John 4:7; Proverbs 3:5-6). Scientific studies also support the positive effects of prayer, linking it to reduced anxiety, improved health, greater resilience, and overall life satisfaction. Loving God leads to a deeper sense of purpose, freedom from fear, and a more fulfilled, content life (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 John 4:18).

Here are 10 benefits of loving God with all your heart, drawing from scriptural promises and scientific research on prayer and devotion to God (pdf)…

Struggling to love God with all of your heart?

Many of us carry wounds, disappointments, or fears that hold us back from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and presence in our lives. If this resonates with you, I invite you to reach out for a private coaching session where we can explore these areas together.

Through heart-healing prayer, biblical insight, and compassionate guidance, we’ll work to uncover the barriers and help you experience the abundant love and healing that God desires for you. This journey can lead to a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and wholeness in your walk with the Lord.

Reach out using one of the links below…

Merri Ellen Giesbrecht 
Life Coach & Spiritual Director
www.merriellen.com / www.coachinginfreedom.com