Listening with a Soft Heart

 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Hebrews 4:7)

God speaks to you every day. There is never a time when He doesn’t, but we often refuse to listen.

When we listen with a heart of pride, we harden ourselves against God's plans, will, and way. Instead, we want God to agree with our perspective and emotions, and see our issues as we see them.The Bible describes a person who refuses to listen to God as having a “hardened heart.” A hardened heart does not develop overnight. It begins with small actions: ignoring the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, justifying our disobedience to God’s Word, and resisting the correction that comes from authority or God Himself.

Choosing stubbornness over surrender means missing out on God’s perfect plan.

When God speaks, we have a choice: will we open our hearts and remain soft and responsive, or will we resist because it challenges our desires or perceptions?

A soft heart is not just about being able to hear God; it’s about responding to Him. The more we obey, the more sensitive we become to His leading. Similarly, the more we resist and push against what God has placed on our hearts, the harder it becomes to discern His voice.

Practical Application

Take time today to pray and ask God, “Is there anything you have been speaking that I have been ignoring?” When you sense your emotions and will resisting what God is saying, pause immediately and pray. Say, “Lord, help me receive what you are saying, even if it is not what I want to hear.”

Psalm 95:7; Hebrews 3:7

Surrender is the Key

 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:7-8)

James was the leader of the “mother church” in Jerusalem in the first century. His letter primarily addressed seasoned believers—those who had endured many trials. He had witnessed Christians succeed and struggle and wrote this revelation to assist believers in walking in the fullness of their authority. In his epistle, he articulated a powerful principle: submission to God is the key to resisting the devil’s schemes. Many believers focus on the latter part of the Scripture that instructs us to resist the devil, but they overlook the fact that resisting Satan is only possible when we have first submitted to God.

James also wrote about the necessity of believers drawing near to God. It’s not about waiting for God to show up; it's about pressing into His presence. God has made Himself available to us, but He won’t force us to come to Him. God desires us to diligently seek His Word and His presence and to quiet ourselves to hear from Him.

James also explained the danger of a double-minded person. This is someone who wavers between trusting God and relying on their own understanding. Biblical submission means yielding completely to God’s will and trusting in His ways above our own. When we are under His authority, we carry His authority, which is why the enemy flees.

The devil only has access where we permit him. He attacks only when given the opportunity. Satan seeks the unguarded—those who walk in pride and refuse to submit to God. However, when we remain humble and follow God’s Word and guidance, we stay under His protection.

Practical Application

Whatever you need, more grace is available if you are willing to submit to God and honor Him. The key to victory isn’t about fighting harder; it’s about deeper surrender.

Ephesians 4:27; 1 Peter 5:8

Glory in My Weakness

Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9b)

Most people feel most excited when they can showcase their strength and success. However, Paul flipped that idea on its head, stating that instead of resenting his weaknesses, struggles, and hardships, he chose to take pride in those aspects. Why? Because in his humility, he recognized that the power of Christ rests upon us more strongly in the areas where we are naturally weaker.

In fact, Paul used the Greek word “dunamis" for power, which refers to God’s supernatural, miracle-working power. He acknowledged that his human wisdom and strength would not be sufficient to accomplish what God called him to, but when we submit to Him and honor Him, God’s grace is more than enough in every area of insufficiency.

Paul linked weakness to the anointing. True strength lies not in self-sufficiency but in complete dependence.

When I am weak, I am strong through Christ (the Anointed One and His anointing). I don’t ignore the reality of difficulties or my insufficiencies; instead, I acknowledge that God’s strength flows best through surrendered vessels.

Practical Application

When you feel weak, inadequate, or tired due to the pressures of life, say out loud, “His grace is sufficient for me!” Invite the Holy Spirit to enter the moment and grant you greater strength for the task at hand. God’s power rests on those who faithfully depend on Him.

Ephesians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 15:10