A New HeartSample

The proud heart

A proud heart relies on self- strength to save and protect itself. Fear eventually causes our hearts to become filled with pride as we only trust and depend on ourselves. We even resist God as we struggle to submit to any authority. Obeying God will become difficult and the heart gets hardened. 

King Saul started with a soft and humble heart. Somewhere along the way his power and influence got to his head. He began to not value the things God said and he became hardened to the things of God. He could not obey the voice of God and failed to repent even when confronted by the prophet Samuel. He ended up being tormented and defeated. 

God resists the proud in heart but the humble heart receives grace from Him. It is a slow process of drifting away from a tender, humble heart that loves God and desires to do His will to a hard heart that resists His voice. Unless we guard ourselves we can all fall into the trap of drifting. 

Being humble is acknowledging that God is sovereign and is Lord over all. His plans for us are always good and we can trust Him no matter what we have been through in life. It is also knowing that on our own we are weak, but in Him we are strong. Our own wisdom and understanding can help us succeed to some extent, but God's grace enables us to finish well. If we allow pride to creep in it we will end up missing God’s perfect plan. 

How do we respond to God and His word? Are we quick to obey Him or are there areas where our will crosses His and we resist Him.? Do we only like to hear words of comfort from God or can we handle correction and rebuke as well? Do you depend on the Lord for wisdom and strength or are you living by your own?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for walking in pride and allowing my heart to be hardened to your voice. I know I can do nothing without you. I depend on your strength not my own. Let me be quick to obey when you speak. Amen