NEW LIFE, NEW HEART
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations.”
Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NLT)
Listen to your heart. If you’ve ever received this advice, I’m sure it came from a well-meaning individual. There have been endless songs written about listening to your heart, and it’s common advice in a lot of rom-coms and TV shows. It’s pithy and memorable and encourages us to look within. There’s just one problem—your heart makes a terrible guide.
Listen to what Jeremiah says about the heart of man in Jeremiah 17:9 (NLT): “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”
Does that sound like the best guide as you consider what path to take?
The good news is that when we begin a relationship with Christ, that stony, stubborn heart is replaced. God promises us that our hearts will become tender and responsive as we walk with Him. We speak of inviting Jesus into our hearts, but in truth, He is replacing our old hearts with a new one. He is sending the Holy Spirit to indwell His people. And it’s the Holy Spirit that leads us daily as we seek to follow God’s Word and honor Him as Lord of our life.
Don’t follow your heart. Follow God. If you do, He will transform your heart and mind and desires to align with His own. We live in a world that prioritizes comfort and happiness. The prevailing wisdom of the day is that to follow your heart will lead you to that happiness. We can debate whether that’s true or not, but the truth is happiness shouldn’t be what we’re aiming at. Holiness is. And we won’t find holiness in our hearts. That can only come from God giving us a heart transplant.
APPLICATION:
Where do you turn when faced with crisis or big decisions? Inward or upward? Whatever you’re wrestling with right now, take a moment to stop and acknowledge the Lordship of Christ. Ask Him to guide you.
PRAYER:
God, You have placed a new heart within me. Thank You for Your gracious gift. Help me live my life in line with Your Word, pursuing holiness over my happiness. Guide my path. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?