Lenten Series: In Need of The Helper
Lent is a liturgical observance and season of reflection; not a biblical mandate. It is simply a time to remind ourselves and appreciate the abundant grace of Christ’s saving work on the cross. It is a time to press in deeper in submission to Christ’s authority as we prepare our hearts to celebrate, with exceedingly great joy, the resurrection that awaits every believer and follower.
In our Lenten daily devotionals, we will focus on our spiritual needs and desires and how the Helper is our Gift for strength and success if we will bow in greater submission to the authority of our King and the terms of His Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
Reflection: Tender Heart and Tears
Digging for Truth: When we come to the deep belief the Helper is not only a Person, he is our best and dearest friend, we are easily overwhelmed with emotion. Father God so loved the world he gave his Son to pay for our sins and bring forgiveness (John 3:16). Then, the Son sent the Helper to show us how to live righteously. Such divine, selfless love and concern for rebellious or hard hearted human beings is a challenge to comprehend. However, the Helper brings the confidence and assurance we are never alone and spiritual growth and refreshment is always only a prayer away.
Grace for the Heart: Grace has a softening effect on human hearts. Crying or weeping in gratitude is a beautiful response to the goodness of God. We may have never been one to shed tears in public, but when we realize the Spirit and power of God is with us, we may not be able to stop from crying. We do not have to carry our burdens alone; we have been given the Helper. Most of the time, our response may be one of praise and shouting, but when we are carrying a burden that seeks to overpower us and God rises to lift our load, we easily shed tears as we respond to God with inexpressible gratitude.
Tender hearts are blessed before the Lord. In fact, God tells us throughout Scripture hard hearts cause abundant issues in our relationship with God and with others. Sin (unbelief) causes our hearts to become hardened in the first place. So, if you find yourself moved to tears when you experience God’s presence with you, just know it was a promise the Lord made (Matthew 28:19-20).
Ezekiel 11:19-20 NLT 19 And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart, 20 so they will obey my decrees and regulations. Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.
Challenge: Showing emotion for God is not a weakness, it is love and humility. May we always come to God with tender hearts; however, we have the promise hard hearts can be made tender and pliable in the Spirit. Ask, Seek, Knock! (Matthew 7:7-8).
Prayer: Lord, I pray for the hearts of your children to be tender before you, so you can bring the transformation we desperately need. When our burdens are so heavy we shed tears, please be our Healer. May every emotion we lay before you bring you glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.