How is your heart today?  Is it broken? Is it hurting? Is it fearful? Is it angry? Is it hard? What about peaceful? Is it joyful? Our heart, or the seat of our emotions, feels many things. God created us with those feelings.

And yet, God asked us to have a heart of flesh instead if a heart of stone (Ezekiel 36:26). What does that mean? A heart of flesh is a heart that is soft. It is pliable. It is seeking God and open to His dealing’s in our life. It is a trusting heart. It is a heart that knows God can use even the most horrible circumstances for our good and His glory.

What is a hard heart? It is a heart determined to go one’s own way. If God does not do the things you want, you get mad at God and harden your heart against what He is trying to do for you, in you, and through you.

I have a friend who says, “The same sun that melts butter, hardens brick.” The sun is neutral. It shines the same on both objects. The result of the sun’s work is determined by nature of the object upon which it shines. What is the nature of our heart? Do we allow God to take us through difficult circumstances so that we may grow and become more mature? Or when difficult circumstances occur, which they do in everyone’s life, do we become hard hearted, bitter and angry, blaming God?

The first response brings growth, and more maturity. As one continues to turn to God and learns what He is trying to teach, or transform in our spirit, bondages slowly get broken and peace and joy result. The second response, unless turned around, brings greater pain, anger and heartbreak for that person, and those people whom his life touches. Which would you prefer? A downward spiral of more pain, or an upward lift of greater joy and peace? I pray you choose the latter, for it is a choice of great fulfillment.

Ask God to soften your heart. Then when trouble comes, instead of shaking your fist in His face, get on your knees and ask Him to help you through the trouble. Ask Him what He is trying to teach you. God promises to run to the cry of His children (Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:7:8). He also promises to give wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).

May your heart become soft. As it does, may you grow and mature in Christ. May your bondages slowly fall off, and may you increasingly experience His peace and joy.

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