Description
Embracing a Tender Heart
Are you strong-willed or a bit stubborn? David advises us through Psalm 32:9 to be malleable, … (visit YouTube for more)
Transcript
Do you consider yourself strong-willed? Or maybe if you’re honest, a little bit stubborn? Well, David says, just don’t. Let’s meditate on Psalm chapter 32, verse nine. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridal or it will not stay near you.
David’s fairly clear here, isn’t he?
He’s saying, don’t be like one of these witless animals that will only do what you want it to do if you make it. If you put that bit in its mouth and you hang onto it and you say, I’m gonna turn you this way or that way.
Don’t be like that. David says. He says, be malleable, be obedient. Be servant hearted. Be open. Submit to God. Submit to those in authority and make their lives easy.
He’s not saying be a doormat and let everyone walk all over you. He’s saying be kind. Dare I say it, be nice. There’s nothing wrong with being nice, and in fact, most of the time David would say there’s great advantage in this.
So how do we apply this Psalm, this verse to our lives? I think we need to ask God to change and soften our hearts. I think we need to ask him to make us tender-hearted. As the fruit of the Spirit grows in us, we gain that kindness and goodness and faithfulness and gentleness, all of which make us more useful to our God and frankly, more pleasant to be around.
Lord God, I confess that I can be stubborn, and sometimes don’t listen when I ought to. Father God, please change us. Please soften our hearts. Please help us to listen. Please help us to be gentle and meek when that’s appropriate, so that we can serve you and the gospel well, until you call us home. Amen.
