Good morning. Today is Wednesday, July 22nd!

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— Hebrews 3:15

How Does a Heart Become Hardened?

The writer of Hebrews gives us this warning:

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15)

But what does that actually mean?

Most of us think of Pharaoh. Exodus says God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and at first that can sound unfair. Did God make Pharaoh reject Him?

Not at all.

First, we need to understand what the Bible means by heart. Scripture uses the word to describe our inner person, our thoughts, desires, will, and conscience. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” A hardened heart is a heart that becomes resistant to God’s voice.

That’s exactly what happened to Pharaoh.

God didn’t give Pharaoh just one chance to obey. Through the plagues, He gave him opportunity after opportunity to repent. Pharaoh even admitted he had sinned and asked Moses to pray for him (Exodus 9:27–28). But as soon as the plague ended, he went right back to saying no.

Here’s the detail many people miss. Before the Bible ever says, “The Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart” (Exodus 9:12), it repeatedly says Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 8:32, 9:34). Pharaoh rejected God’s voice so many times that resisting Him became his natural response.

When God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, He wasn’t creating evil in him. He was confirming Pharaoh in the path he had already chosen. Romans 1 describes this same principle when it says God “gave them over” to the sinful desires they insisted on following (Romans 1:24, 26, 28).

Hebrews’ warning suddenly makes sense. Every time God convicts us, we have a choice. We can respond in humility, or we can ignore Him. Every act of obedience keeps our hearts soft. Every act of resistance makes it a little easier to resist the next time.

So if God is speaking to you today, don’t put it off. “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” A heart that listens to God is a heart He can continue to shape.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Father, You are holy, faithful, and good. I praise You for Your love.

Confession: Forgive me for the times I’ve ignored Your voice.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for Your mercy and patience with me.

Supplication: Give me a soft heart that listens and obeys You.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“No Halo” by Ryan Ellis

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God