Tender Heart

Most of us love to enjoy a tender, well-flavored steak!  While many choose to grill their own, I'm quite content to pay someone else to prepare mine. The word "tender" refers to being susceptible to or influenced by [as Noah Webster 1828 says] the "softer passions" such as love, compassion, kindness. In Second Chronicles 34 records we read when King Josiah heard the long-neglected words from the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes as a visible sign of sorrow. God took notice of King Josiah's humbled and tender heart to His words (V.27). I suggest not only as a nation but as children of God, we have lost our sense of wonder regarding our own sin and God's tender mercies! Even as we faithfully read God's Word, many times we approach it too casually and with very little expectation of change to our hearts. Although Israel as a nation was judged for its neglect and disobedience, the king himself was spared because of his tender heart toward God and His words. God said in Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you" and His plans always include plans to lead us in the [spiritually] safe and prosperous way, away from disaster. King Josiah's tender heart met the ever-tender mercies of The Father. Dear Lord, keep me humble and may I always offer to You a ... tender heart.