How can we ensure our hearts remain soft to God's guidance and correction? Jeremiah’s Broken Heart “ ‘But if you will not listen, my soul will weep in secret because of your pride; my eyes will weep bitterly and overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.’ ” (Jeremiah 13:17) The Picture Behind the Tears • Jeremiah’s grief springs from his certainty that the LORD’s warning is literal and sure. • A proud, unresponsive heart brings real captivity; a humble, listening heart receives life and freedom. What a Tender Heart Does • Listens quickly: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15) • Grieves over sin: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4) • Responds in obedience: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22) Common Routes to Hardness • Pride that says, “This word is for others, not me.” • Habitual sin that deadens sensitivity (Ephesians 4:17-19). • Neglect of Scripture, letting other voices grow louder (Amos 8:11). Cultivating Ongoing Softness • Daily Scripture intake – Approach the Word expecting God to speak. – Let it judge thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12). • Immediate confession – Keep accounts short; agree with God as soon as conviction comes (1 John 1:9). • Active remembrance – Recall past mercies; gratitude melts resistance (Psalm 103:2). • Yielded prayer posture – Invite divine searchlight: “Search me, O God… see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Spirit-led fellowship – Allow trusted believers to exhort you daily “so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) God’s Promise for the Soft-Hearted “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26) Staying tender is not self-work alone; it is continual surrender to the God who delights to keep hearts alive, responsive, and full of His Spirit. |
    |