That dark and secret place - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it? I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.You who seek God, your hearts shall live.
Jeremiah 17:9.10; Psalm 69:32

That dark and secret place
Appearances count for a lot in our society where our image is always present. By attending to our appearance we can deceive lots of people. But God observes our heart, and it is impossible to hide anything from Him, whatever it is. That is why He reveals what is deep down in our heart, so that we have no illusions. The Bible tells us without any reservation where evil originates: "From within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness" (Mark 7:21.22). The corrupt state of our heart is the source of the evils from which humanity is suffering.

Are we aware that this description is that of our own heart, not just that of a criminal? The same potential of evil exists in every man and woman. The horror of that dark place known to God was made evident by the cross of Jesus Christ. All our wickedness was demonstrated when He who brought grace and truth was crucified. And there, on the cross, He submitted to the judgment that we merited for all who believe in Him.

God expects us to agree with Him when He reveals our true nature. He wants us to recognise our desperate condition and accept the only remedy that He provides: faith in Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Today's reading: Exodus 32:7-14 · Luke 13:22-30