“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it (and heal it)?” (Jer.17:9). Abba, “give me an undivided heart, that I may live in awe of your name.” (Ps.86:11). “I WILL give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezek. 36:2)
Heavenly Father, your promise of a new heart has never been dearer to me, or more intensely craved. You made good on that promise when you raised me from spiritual death, hid my life in Christ, and put a new heart in my chest. But the new heart you give us, as your children, will only be a perfected heart the Day you call us home. Until then, we will need the grace you freely give us. Thank you for infinitely over-supplying that need.
I am weary of knowing you in part, loving you and others in part, and being like Jesus in part. Certainly, I look forward to the Day I’ll never even be tempted to sin again. But more so I long for the Day when I will love you with everything I have and am. That is real freedom—the freedom Jesus has won for us.
The image of my heart of stone being replaced 100% with a heart of flesh keeps me going Father. I am grateful it’s not a metaphor, but a Gospel miracle. I want a kind heart, a tender heart, a sweet-heart—a compassionate and caring heart. One that’s not easily offended, divided in affection, or even slightly judgmental—the heart of Jesus. Until the Day our new heart becomes a perfected heart, thank you for already loving us perfectly and fully in Jesus. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.
