Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, when you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews, ch. 3, v. 7*).
The Lord speaks to each of us, but the way we respond to Him depends on the condition of our hearts. When believers hear the voice of God, some are prompted to seek greater obedience in their relationship with their Heavenly Father. Others, however, resist His voice or reject it because their hearts have become less responsive.
The change in receptiveness can be difficult to recognize because it occurs slowly and is often rationalized or happens under some pretext. How do you react when the Holy Spirit speaks to you through the Bible or in other ways? Consider carefully the following characteristics of a hardened heart:
- Insensitivity to what the Lord says
- Resistance to His authority
- Disobedience to what He wants you to do
- Justification of wrongful behavior
- Rejection of deserved rebuke
- Preoccupation with earthly matters
- Lack of interest in spiritual issues
- Lack of personal dedication (Bible reading and prayer)
- Avoidance of gatherings and fellowship with other believers
If you see some of these tendencies in your life, it is not too late. Ask the Lord to shape your heart (Isaiah, ch. 64, v. 8; Jeremiah, ch. 4, v. 7), renewing is His specialty (Corinthians, ch. 5, v. 17) and He rejoices when we turn to Him.
Link to the original article: https://www.intouchuk.org/read/daily-devotions/the-danger-of-a-hardening-heart
* Bible quotes are from Bible, new translation from the original languages © Bulgarian Bible Society 2013