A New Heart

Ezekiel 11:19 (NLT) - And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.

Ephesians 4:21–24 (NLT) - Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

A heart that was sinful guided the old life you had.  Your thoughts and attitudes were not of God. But, now, that has changed. God has done something that you could have never done for yourself; God has given you a new heart. Now you have a new nature, a new attitude, a new way of looking at things and a new way of doing things.  God has changed the actual core of your being!  You are forgiven and free; God’s goodness and holiness guide your new life.

You have a new Core, and it is steadfast.  Where your heart was broken and fragmented by sin, it is now whole. Things you used to believe originated from a heart that was not submitted to God:  you lived life for yourself. But, now, God has given you a strong and faithful heart, and you are focused on Him.   There was a time when you did not listen to God:  you did not care what he had to say.  But that has changed! Now your heart is open and responsive and when you hear His voice you want to respond. 

You have a new Center from which your words and actions flow.  All that you say and do now pours forth from God in you. You used to interact with the world with the ways of the world (contempt, conflict, self-indulgence): now you interact with the world with the ways of God (love, peace, grace).  This does not mean that you will say and do everything perfect from now on.  But don’t dismay:  your new heart from God is yours to keep and you are going to begin experiencing a meaningful life that reflects the heart of God.  More than that, the world around you is going to notice;  people are going to be touched by God through what you say and do.   

There will be moments when having a new heart takes your breath away.  You can’t believe how different you feel:  your personality, emotions and desires have all started to change!  But, there will also be moments when you don’t feel any different at all.  Remember, faith is not a feeling; feelings come and go. What God has done and is doing in your life is real and true.  The Bible says that, indeed, He has given you a new heart.  You are different. You belong to Him and He will not leave you; He will never turn his back on you. Your relationship with Him is secure; nothing - absolutely nothing - can separate you from His love. 

More: Ezekiel 18:30b-31,  Colossians 3:5-12, Philippians 2:3-5