Hardened Heart (Ezekiel 36:26)

During an early years in my Christian walk, I would occasionally listen to Christian talk radio. I didn’t like it. The shows were provocative and informative but it did not resonate with me. I pondered over the possible reasons. Perhaps the shows were not intellectual enough for me? Perhaps the hosts were too dull and pedantic? I could not find an answer but decided that Christian radio needed to catch up with me! Years later, I understood the reason. It wasn’t the programming; it wasn’t the hosts; it was me. Yes, I was a Christian, but I was living a carnal backsliding lifestyle, preoccupied with professional successes, finding a wife, and catering to my material desires. With all these worldly ambitions, there was no room in my heart for God. The more I heard God’s Word, the more it pushed me away from Him.

God did not rob me of my free will nor did He make my heart resistant to hearing and accepting His Word. I hardened my heart. My heart was hardened by the truth of God’s Word. The more it revealed my sins, the more resistant I became to hearing and reading it. I didn’t want or need to be reminded of my despicable state. There was nothing wrong with me! Didn’t God understand that? He did. It was only by the grace and mercy of God that He changed my heart and led me to repent in tears and sorrow for my backsliding lifestyle.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)

Today, I am an avid listener of Christian talk radio. I often marvel how my heart is receptive to the same preachers and programs that I once dismissed. It only happened when God changed my heart of stone and gave me a living heart, one that beats for Him and with Him!

Don’t harden your heart to God. Confess and repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. The moment you do, your hardened heart will be softened by His irresistible love.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.