In 1738, John Wesley boarded a ship from England to the American colonies. He was already an ordained Anglican minister, committed to preaching the gospel. But on that voyage, a violent storm struck. As waves crashed over the deck, Wesley realised he was gripped by fear. Nearby, a small group of Moravian Christians sang hymns with remarkable peace, even as the ship pitched and rolled.
Wesley later wrote in his journal that he had the form of religion but not the power of it. He saw in those Moravians a heart at rest in Christ, not in their own works. That storm became a turning point, leading him to examine his own heart before God. To ask whether he truly trusted in Christ’s righteousness or in his own effort. It was a living picture of Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Big Idea Using an Acronym – H.E.A.R.T.
H – Honour Christ’s truth
E – Embrace His righteousness
A – Assess what’s flowing out
R – Remain tender to God
T – Trust in His finished work
H – Honour Christ’s truth
Ephesians 6:14 speaks of the breastplate of righteousness guarding the heart. Alignment starts by filtering desires and decisions through God’s Word. When conviction comes, respond quickly. A heart that honours Christ’s truth stays free from the slow drift of compromise.
E – Embrace His righteousness
2 Corinthians 5:21 reminds us: “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Stop trying to earn what He’s already given.
The breastplate isn’t self-made.
It is His gift that we put on.
A – Assess what’s flowing out
Your words, thoughts, and actions reveal your heart’s condition. Luke 6:45 says that “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Under pressure, what spills out, Christlikeness or self-protection?
R – Remain tender to God
Guard against cynicism, offence, and hardness. A soft heart still feels moved in worship, stirred in prayer, and compassionate toward others. When tenderness fades, return to Him quickly, as David prayed in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
T – Trust in His finished work
Rest is the proof of trust. 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 reminds us: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Living in His righteousness means storms can hit, but they cannot destroy you.
From Dave’s Desk
John Wesley’s storm at sea reminds me that it’s possible to do a great deal for God without truly resting in Him. Outward busyness can hide an inward emptiness.
When the heart is aligned, protected, flowing with life, tender before Him, and at rest in His righteousness, no storm can shake you. The waves may still come, but what’s inside will determine whether fear or faith wins the day. Guard the core, and the rest will follow.
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