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“They make their hearts like a rock so as not to obey the law or the words that the Lord of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore, great anger came from the Lord of Hosts.” Zechariah 7:10 (HCSB)

Nothing uglier than a defiant spirit. One bent on doing life its own way. Determined to chart its course the way known only to them. Postured for “my way” is the best way. Unwilling to be changed, deterred or re-routed. No ones’ opinion or view has merit.

Wish those words described others, but I can remember clearly when they were mine. You see, as a young teen, I thought I had all the answers. And my parents, well they were holding back, restraining me from best. Too old fashioned, overbearing and set in their ways to know what was cool.

Interesting how quickly a soft heart can grow cold and hard. Set in stone – carved out to prove it’s right. Decision after decision, compromise after compromise building a mighty fortress barricading truth from edging in. Ignoring the obvious staring us straight in the face.

One huge issue with defiant – it comes with an overwhelming set of consequences. Resisting God’s truth will always land us on the short end of the stick. We will reap whatever we sow, even if we thought our crop was ours to plant. As a young teen, I learned some pivotal lessons. Some of those reckonings were doable, yet uncomfortable. Some of the repercussions were difficult, costly and excruciatingly painful to bear. And some unfortunately left scars deep within that hard, calloused heart.

Best solution – resist the proud road! Yes, pride convinces us we have all the answers. Pride opens wide the door to block God’s best and it masquerades as, “I know exactly what to do.” Said those lines too many times. Digested those words and spit them out too in the stark reality of “ I didn’t know what to do.” Cultivate a soft heart, a tender heart bent towards God’s commands. Resist the tendency to exclude godly wisdom and discernment. Admit our lack of and rely totally on God. Heed His warnings and desperately cling to His ways. Now that’s truly the best way to do life.

“Father, You loving and patient guide us – help us to resist the urge to demand our own way.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life