The Illogical Misery of a Hard Heart

This is my Life journal post for today:

Exodus 8:9-10 NIV

 

God had sent the plagues on Egypt, but time after time, not only did Pharoah not let the people go, but he had his magicians imitate the plagues on his own land! And when asked when he wanted the frogs removed, his answer was "tomorrow." Really? Tomorrow? How about "right now?" But because of his need to maintain the appearance of control, his hard heart perpetuated the people's misery - and his own as well.

Hard heartedness can lead to some stupid decisions. It will cause us to stay miserable in order to maintain a semblance of power. It will keep us in our pain another day. It will not only hurt us, but others we love and are responsible for. Is there any area where I have been so stubborn and unwilling to concede control that it has perpetuated a misery for myself or others?

God, thank you for opportunities to evaluate the condition of my heart. Please keep it soft and open to your course correction. Forgive me when my pride and misplaced sense of power keep me or others in places of relational brokenness or pain. You are my leader. Help me to be a faithful follower. In Jesus name. Amen.