We can all acknowledge that there are many beautiful and wonderful things about life. Yet, at the same time, we experience
all kinds of situations and circumstances that are quite difficult. Things like loss, betrayal, confusion, disagreement and
disappointment which provide opportunities to be hurt, wounded and offended. In those moments, whether we know it or
not, we will make decisions to soften our hearts toward God or harden them. This is why the Bible warns us NOT to harden
our hearts – because so much is at stake. As we look at our passage today, my hope is to provide a path of freedom out of
or away from a hard heart so we can stay open and useful to the purposes of God in these difficult times.
