The beating heart represents the very essence of our physical life, without it, our physical bodies cease to exist. We live in an age of technology where it’s possible to actually revive a dead heart; to literally bring it back to life again.
But what about a heart that is spiritually dead and no longer feels the depth of joy or love that it once did? Unfortunately, many of us suffer from the side-effects of spiritual death. The symptoms may include an inability to feel a range of healthy emotions, and if ignored, will inevitably lead to strained relationships and/or depression.
We can find hope in Ezekiel 36:26~
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Life Application~
Too often we treat symptoms without knowing the cause of the symptoms. This happened to the Israelites after they were exiled from Jerusalem. Desperate to escape their hardship, they continued worshipping false idols and ignoring God’s commands. Ezekiel had the tough job of convincing them to examine the cause of their hardship – their disobedient hearts. Once the Israelites acknowledged they had let their idols (possessions) and desires turn them away from worshipping the one true God, God promised to repair their relationship by making their hearts new.
When we take time to deeply examine our words, our actions and all the things we spend our time and resources on, we may realize loving God and following his will have not been our true heart’s desire. When we admit this and ask God for his forgiveness, He revives our heart, making it spiritually alive again so that we are open to fully love and worship Him! As a result, we feel renewed emotionally and are better equipped to be in healthy relationships with others. In short, we experience the joy of feeling alive again!
Prayer~
Heavenly Father, forgive me for not always worshipping you with my whole heart. I invite your Holy Spirit to revive my heart, so I will be made new again. Help me to love unconditionally and find joy in living regardless of my circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By: Angel Slawinski
