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There is nothing uglier or more repulsive than a bitter woman. Nothing.
For months now, I have been praying for a tender heart—one that is not cynical, bitter, or hardened by life’s difficulties and sorrows and disappointments, but rather, hopes all things, loves all people, and believes the God of the impossible.
I began desperately praying for this tender heart when I realized, about a year ago, that I had grown increasingly cold and angry and bitter. We each have our unique set of circumstances and sufferings that can make for a tragically hard heart if we let it. And, sadly… I had. I’d subconsciously made a mental and emotional list of all my disappointments and sorrows—which fed a consuming bitterness. But when I finally realized what my bitterness was costing me (and those I loved), I couldn’t have been more desperate to get out of that nasty pit! The Lord has been so faithful to answer my prayer for a changed heart. I wish I had time and space here to list all His kindnesses and power on my behalf!
A tender heart is one that is well-tended—by both my Heavenly Father and me. By coming into His presence and listening to Him speak His words of truth and love to me, my heart is softened… and the abrasives and dirt and wounds of the day are gently washed away.
A tender heart is one that hopes. And keeps hoping “against all hope” (see Romans 4:16-21!).
Disappointments become opportunities to find greater riches in Christ. Sufferings point us to the hope that will “far outweigh them all.” And man’s inability to meet our needs or fulfill our expectations teaches us to build our house on the Rock, and not on shifting sand.
We live in a culture that obsesses about beauty and yet neglects the greatest needs of the heart. Sweet women, would you join me in asking the Lord for a tender, beautiful heart—and quietly trust God to take care of the rest?
So many of you model this tender heart for me. I love you dearly.
Colleen
2 Chronicles 34:27
Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard his words against this place and its inhabitants, and you have humbled yourself before me and have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the LORD.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
1 Peter 3:8-9
Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
