Naaman was handsome, refined, and a fine looking gentleman with lots of class! He was the captain of the Syrian army and second to the king (see 2 Kings 5). Scripture describes him as a great man, a valiant warrior and highly respected. But, he had one big issue-leprosy-one of the most dreaded diseases in the ancient world. It was painful and incurable.

The Bible always uses leprosy as a portrait of sin in all its corrosive effects. Leprosy was his most visible issue. But his most dangerous issues were hidden in his heart and they could have cost him his healing. What is hidden in our hearts can keep us from healing also. Naaman learned he could possibly receive healing from the Prophet Elijah's God. So, off Naaman went to Samaria with laurels upon his head, medals of honor and valor draped over his chest.

He filled his chariot with gifts for the King and a letter from the king of Syria to the king of Israel. After greeting the King, Naaman arrived at the door of the house of Elisha. His goal was to show honor to Elisha by arriving in such a grand fashion with his chariot and retinue. He expected to be treated with the same honor he gave. Pride and status were important to Naaman. Instead, he was treated quite unceremoniously by Elisha. The prophet didn't even come to the door. He sent a servant to convey the message of how Naaman would be healed.

Naaman expected honor and healing in the way and time he desired and instead he received humiliation. He was angry. Naaman was more aware of his expectations than he was of his weaknesses.

How about you? We tend to be well acquainted with what we want; what we expect in life. But, are we as well acquainted with what's in our hearts? If you're not sure, just experience unmet expectations and you'll find out what's in your heart!

Naaman reacted with anger when he was disappointed because his heart was full of pride. How do you react when your expectations aren't met? What is in the heart is revealed when we are disappointed. Anger, bitterness and self-centeredness can be hidden in our hearts and sometimes we are dull to them until our expectations are frustrated. If we are not aware of what's in our hearts, we too could forfeit heeling.

The healing we long for is the healing of the heart. But, we forfeit a heart of peace if we choose to harbor anger. We forfeit a heart of stability if we choose to cling to bitterness. We miss out on the healing effects of God's Spirit if we fill our hearts with ourselves and make no room for Him. If we hide His Word in our hearts though, we experience ultimate healing.

The beautiful thing about having a heart full of God's Word is that when we are disappointed, the truth of His Word is what will surface. Hiding Gods Word in our hearts will also guard us against unrealistic expectations. His Word will shape our heart's desires to look like God's desires(Ps 37:4). The most compelling benefit of a heart full of God's Word is that we will not "sin against God."(Ps 119:11)

So, my friend, examine your heart today. And if you're not sure what you see, just look to your most recent disappointment. How did you react? That's the best clue of what's in your heart.

"Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind." (Psalm 26:2)

Blessings and Joy,

Jennifer Rothschild