“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others… when you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them… and when you fast, don’t make it obvious…wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” –Jesus (Matthew 6)

As I read Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount from Matthew’s gospel – chapters 5-7 – it seems Jesus knew we would attempt to meet the longings of our heart with food that cannot satisfy.

He knew we would seek admiration from others rather than look to him. He knew we would want others to notice our accomplishments rather than knowing he sees what we do. He knew we would want applause and accolades, rather than listening carefully for his “well done!”

Jesus diagnoses the problem, the missing element, making it seem like a good idea to run after all these things that can never fill the desires of our hearts. He says it like this . . .

Why do you have so little faith?

Matthew 6:30

I am taken aback by that. I am slow to equate my wanderings to a lack of faith. But that is exactly what it is. I don’t trust that God will meet all the longings of my heart. Perhaps I am afraid he won’t, that I am not on his radar.

But he does see me. Jesus said he is aware of the flowers of the field that are here today and gone tomorrow. He dresses them in finer attire than Solomon ever enjoyed and if he does that, he can take care of me.

He also sees you! He knows your needs, the longings of your heart, and is eager to meet them!