The Way To A Hard Heart - In the Evening When I Rest
The Way To A Hard Heart
Lord, what can cause my heart to wander from you?
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have my love in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything you see, and pride in your achievements and possessions. Make sure that your own heart is not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from me. Beware that in your plenty you do not forget me and disobey my commands, regulations, and decrees that I have given you.
1 John 2:15-16; Hebrews 3:12; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Deuteronomy 8:11
What should I do when I feel hard-hearted and rebellious?
Today when you hear my voice, don’t harden your heart against me as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. If you want to return to me, you can. You can throw away your detestable idols and stray away no more. My wayward child, come back to me, and I will heal your wayward heart. Keep on doing what is right, and trust your life to the God who created you, for I will never fail you.
Hebrews 3:7-8; Jeremiah 4:1; Jeremiah 3:22; 1 Peter 4:19
What can I pray to keep my heart from wandering?
Once I was like a sheep who wandered away. But now I have turned to you, my Shepherd, the Guardian of my soul.
1 Peter 2:25
The heart is a fickle thing, easily deceived to doubt that God’s ways are best. When life is going well, your heart can be tempted to forget its need for God. But through Christ, there is always a way to return to closeness with God and have your heart softened once again. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Pay attention to the sound of your heartbeat. Relax and breathe, inviting God to soften your heart toward him in this moment.
