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A HARDENING HEART

“The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rock, Whose habitation is high; You who say in your heart, ‘Who will bring me down to the ground?’” Obadiah 1:2 ESV. The hardening of the heart is a slow descent into prideful distrust of all others, including distrust of God. It may begin as a particularly prized opinion or stubborn commitment to a specific course of action. Disappointments begin to pile up, and the stiffening process commences. Hardening increases by rebellion against needed disciplines, bitterness over circumstances or unbridled selfishness. As the hardening continues, excuses are made, all contrary opinions are cast aside, and no authority is trusted. In the end, a callous heart makes us resistant to truth itself. Father, grant me an open and pliable heart. May nothing I think or do be held so dear that truth may no longer penetrate.

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