The hardened heart is

condensed with confidence

petrified with pride

alloyed with arrogance

fortified with self-fulfilment

Its edges are sharp

to the words of criticism

Its centre is porous

to the rounds of applause

Some voices are let through the gate

only to line the inner walls

with reinforcement

Broken

are the doors of a disciple

Shattered

are the walls of a saint

Brutalised

are the defences of a believer

Rent

are the hearts of the penitent

Firm

is the stance of the forgiven

When I offer my heart to thee

            I submit to your righteous pummelling

When I turn to Christ

            I expect demolition

When I lay me down

            I prepare for renovation

The heart of stone is not fit

for the Spirit of Holiness

Take residence, my God,

in this heart of flesh

Broken for you

Submitted to you

Rebuilt by you

Enjoy the halls of humility

the den of dependence

the garden of gratitude

‘Tis all for you

‘”Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
Rend your heart and not your garments.
Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.’

–Joel 2:12-13