October 13

Read: Jeremiah 24:6-7

I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord… they shall return unto me with their whole heart (Jeremiah 24:7).

The Responsive Heart

Can the realities of the spirit be likened to the most sacred experiences that we know in the body? What is it like to have a heart that responds to God? Like the gladness that comes with the warm handclasp of a friend? Like the oneness we feel when an older brother puts an encouraging arm around our shoulders? Like earth’s closest companionship in the embrace of the one whom we love? To know the love of God is all of these — and more.

The heart of stone is cold, dead, hard, and self-centered. God proposes to give in its place a heart that is warm, living, pliable, and responsive to Him.

Am I indifferent to things that are good? God can make me concerned. Am I unresponsive? God promises, “I will… give you a nature that can be touched” (Moffatt). Am I rebellious? God proposes to make me His loyal ally. Is my love for God all but dead? He will rekindle it until it burns with a steady flame.

And wonder of wonders! None of these transformations is made against my will, for He changes my deepest desires. I am powerless to bring these changes to pass. In my present carnal condition I cannot even truly desire them. But I can see that I ought to want them. I know that I ought to love God with my whole heart, soul, and mind. I know that I ought to, but I cannot. I can only acknowledge my needy condition and ask for the new heart.

Prayer For Today

Give me a love that knows no ill; Give me the grace to do Thy will. Pardon and cleanse this soul of mine; Give me a heart like Thine.*

— J. W. Van Deventer

*Copyright 1948, renewal, The Rodeheaver Ca. Used by permission.