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Soften My Heart


I have been reading through the first few chapters of Exodus in my morning readings concerning the ten plagues poured out on Egypt before the 'Exodus' of the Israelites from the land. Even though I know this story well, it never ceases to surprise me that Pharaoh hardened his heart so many times. 

We read that he either 'hardened his heart' or that his 'heart became hard' several times in chapters 7 and 8 before it is stated that 'the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart' in chapter 9. Verse 16 comprises God's message to Pharaoh through Moses: I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might show you My power and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.' 

God knew the material He was working with, a man who hardened his heart in the face of miraculous signs and wonders. Many had the same reaction when Jesus healed the sick before their eyes in the New Testament - they refused to believe. 

God's sovereign will is performed on the earth even through evil rulers because He knows 'their thoughts from afar' and in His omniscience foresees how they will react in various situations, according to their free will. 

My prayer this morning is that I never harden my heart to the will of the Sovereign God or His Word. The God of heaven reacts to the prayers of tender hearts:
 
Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and because you humbled yourself before Me, tore your clothes and wept before Me, I truly have heard you," declares the LORD. 2 Chronicles 34:27. 

Sadly, we are living in a world where people have hardened their hearts against a consciousness of God. People harden their hearts to God's Word. They do not accept the Gospel because they think they are good enough and have no need to repent. 

I also ask myself if I am not guilty of hardening my heart to many of the teachings and requirements of the Christian faith found in the Bible. May we all examine our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to keep them soft and teachable! It is never too late for change because our God is merciful and compassionate beyond description. 

He wants soft hearts ready to obey His Word. 

Let us heed these words in Hebrews 3:7-8b: Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says,"TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS...!" 

Listen to the song as a prayer.

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