I like to think that I have a soft and pure heart for God, but I know that isn’t always true by some of my actions and attitudes. No matter how stony my heart is or how impure my life is, God offers me a fresh start. I can have my sins washed away, receive a new heart for God, and have his Spirit within me!
All I have to do is accept God’s promise, the same promise he gave to the Israelites when they dishonored his holy name. He had scattered them among other nations, but promised to bring them back, not because they deserved it, but to protect his holy name. He promised to restore Israel, both physically and spiritually. To restore them spiritually, he would give them a new heart for following him and put his Spirit within them to transform them and empower them to do his will.
Why should I try to patch up my old life when I can have a new one? God offers to restore us and give us an obedient heart with right desires and fill us with his Spirit. Start a new life filled with the joy and blessings that come with following him!
Ezekiel 36:26 (NLT) - “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.”