Soften My Heart, Lord
By Aaron D’Anthony Brown
"And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5
Made Better or Bitter
As people, we may differ in our language, culture, and values, but one experience we all have in common is suffering. No matter our age, sex, social status, or who we are, we all suffer. Unfortunately, that's true of our lives from beginning to end. Suffering comes to us in small doses, like sickness, and significant suffering through financial hardship or the death of a friend. There are countless examples of suffering, both in ourselves and the lives of those we know.
Suffering leaves us with a choice in how we respond. Chances are, like me, you know numerous people who once upon a time called themselves Christians. Then after a traumatic experience with God not matching a prayer request or a fellow believer being a poor representation of the faith, the person you know decides to become faithless. That was their choice. From the outside looking in, we could call this perspective wrong, short-sighted, or sinful, but how often are we in the same position?
Maybe we haven't forfeited our faith, but what have we given up - hope, trust, servitude? Time after time, we've been let down by a relative, a friend, or a job, and eventually, we've decided enough is enough. No more trying. Not because giving up was the right thing to do but because giving up was the thing we wanted to do. We give up because we've suffered enough hardship and don't want to suffer anymore. How many have let go of marriages, relationships, jobs, and even our dreams? Then what? We have the choice of growing bitter, or we can use the hardship to become better. We can learn to bear our burdens, relying on more than just our own strength. We can go before the Lord with a prayer, and we can ask Him to soften our hearts.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
When we allow suffering to make us better instead of bitter, we grow closer to God and people and find more ways to endure than to give up. We feel more confident in ourselves and optimistic about life in general. Truly, our hearts emit warmth and compassion instead of not cold callousness. Here are several signs of a softer heart.
Patience
Our human nature leads us to search for an escape from suffering. However, Scripture tells us to be thankful in all circumstances and to learn from them. As a result, we'll be less likely to become enraged or spiteful towards anyone, including God.
Joy
People made bitter through circumstances often develop caustic and selfish personalities. As a result, they find themselves miserable and alone. The opposite is true of people made better.
Wisdom & Maturity
When we focus solely on the bad things that happen to us, we lack a full perspective of how God operates in our lives. With a softer heart, we see God's activity's full extent. That leads to our maturation and wisdom.
Servitude
A person with a soft heart finds ways to serve others, even when the other person would qualify as an enemy.
Stronger Faith
A stronger faith awaits those who learn from their trials. While suffering is a part of life, God doesn't allow these tough situations to torment us. Rather, He is refining our characters, shaping us into people who resemble Christ.
A Prayer for a Softer Heart
God,
I come before you now with a request for a softer heart. Too often have I allowed circumstances to make me cynical, callous, and selfish. Then, finally, I reach a certain threshold and don't think I can take it anymore. I don't want to take it anymore. But I'm afraid if I'm being honest with you and myself. I'm afraid of continuing to be hurt. I'm afraid of being misused, abused, and abandoned. I'm afraid of the past repeating itself.
Lord, I ask that you take away this fear. Please soften my heart so I would better serve you and those you've placed in my life. Help me to live a life dedicated to you, one without fear of suffering and one where the trials make me better, not bitter. Please soften my heart, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Further Reading:
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Related Resource: How Habit Stacking Will Help You Discipline Your Mind, Body, & Spirit
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