Hardened Hearts
Today's Verse:
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief. ~Proverbs 28:14
The heart refers to the spirit, the seat of emotions, and the place where our innermost desires are at work. Our heart is the real you. It describes what you are passionate and dispassionate about. It is where our decisions are made. What we decide in our heart determines what we are and what we will do. God wants our heart’s affection. God want’s our heart firmly fixed upon Him. Unfortunately, we have many competing factors that work against us. The Bible describes David as a man after God’s own heart. This morning, we want to consider the way of a man’s heart.
There is the mandate for every heart.
God’s desire is that we fear Him always. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The fear of God is the foundation for a healthy spiritual life and walk with God. The fear of God encompasses everything necessary for a victorious Christian life. A right fear of God leads us to proper adoration of God. A right fear of God leads us to a vigilant prayer life and Bible study. A right fear of God compels us to love others, spread the gospel, and serve the Lord. Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 12:13 that the conclusion of the whole matter is to fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
There is the medicine for every heart.
A man who fears God always is a happy man. His happiness is not controlled by the external or by worldly influences, but rather by doing what pleases God. It is the peace of God that rules his heart and mind. It is the knowledge that he sees his prayers answered and has a strong connection to God in his spiritual walk. He is happy because obeying God is not a struggle. His response to every command of God is, “Yes, Lord.”
There is the misbehavior of every heart.
However, there is a struggle within every heart. Disappointments, disagreements, and distance from God lead to hardened hearts. The surest way to a heart that is hardened is disobedience, sinful behavior, and telling God “no.” Whenever we do not say “yes” to God, that is an automatic “no” to God. Just like how the hardening of the arteries of the physical heart will lead to heart failure, the hardening of our spiritual hearts leads to sin and fallout with God. Hardness can happen quickly. Are you at a place where your heart is hardened to God’s Word and the presence of God?
There is the management of every heart.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The only way we can overcome a hardened heart is by praying without ceasing, saying "no" to sin and the devil, making frequent trips to the altar after a preaching service, and confessing our sins daily.
Our true happiness is not measured by what makes us feel good. Our true happiness is measured by our fear God. Realign your fear of God for the sake of your heart.
Have a happy God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 8-10