Years before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Ezekiel addressed the exiled Israelites with comfort and promises of change as well as improvement. He told them that the Lord would replace their hearts of stone with hearts of flesh that were tender towards the will of God.

Sin begins in the heart. At the heart of the human problem is the problem with the human heart. But there is a solution. The giving of the Holy Spirit moves people to live obediently as they are made aware of the heart of God and his ways.

The Bible speaks of stubborn hearts, hardened hearts, and hearts that have strayed far from God. It teaches that the only thing that can ultimately heal these hearts is the grace of God. He promises to make hearts of stone into hearts of living, breathing flesh where he can sow seeds of love for the advancement of his kingdom.

Is God’s promise alive and well in your heart? What is the state of your heart? Are you in a season of trial that is pulling you away from God and into your pain? Is there anger in your heart? Is jealousy, pride, selfish ambition, or unforgiveness lurking where no one can see?

If so, I encourage you, dear reader, to pray for the Holy Spirit to soften and heal your heart.

Dear Lord, as the Psalms say, create in me a new heart and renew a right spirit in me (Psalm 51:10). Help me believe you are at work within me even on those days I don’t feel it. Let me boldly come to you whenever jealousy or pride or ambition begin to seep in so I can continue to keep your commandments. Amen.

Go Deeper — Read Psalm 51:10-17. Why do you think hearts need to be changed before spirits and minds can be?

Read Further — about the Vacuum in our Hearts.



Tags: Ezekiel Ezekiel 36
Photo Credit: Debbie Hudson