A New Heart

Simple, repetitive actions take about twenty-one days to form. Replacing hurtful habits with helpful ones can transform of our lives. They can create in us a new heart.

Consider how the following habits could transform our hearts and home:

• Offering heartfelt prayers throughout the day

• Choosing thoughts, words and actions that foster loving kindness

• Living in a spirit of integrity, purity, and goodness

• Expressing gratitude often

• Seeking the comfort and strengthening influence of the Spirit each day

The thoughts that we choose to hold in our minds determine what we say and do. Those things that we think, say, and do determine our peace of mind, our happiness, and our character. We can ask for God’s help as we seek to create good habits, and He will sustain us.

The prayer found in Psalm 51 will strengthen us to become all that God designed us to be:

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

For the next twenty-one days, consider creating a new heart by choosing one habit that will bless you life and then repeating it daily. It could be studying the scriptures or inspired literature, eating healthily, meditating mindfully, or serving humbly. It might be forgiving others, showing gratitude, or praying continually. It could be keeping a journal in which you record answers to prayers, spiritual promptings, or blessings received. It might be consecrating your life to God each morning and thanking Him each night for His countless gifts.

God promises us, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” As we give our lives to Him--including our sins, fears, worries, and concerns, God gives us a new heart filled with peace, joy, and love. We give Him so little, and He gives us so much in return.



© Carol Brown