Listening with a Soft Heart
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
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.”
