Most of us struggle with a hardened or apathetic heart from time to time, but there is an antidote: recognizing God at work and giving Him thanks.

This recipe for a tender heart was ignored in Exodus when Israel came to Rephidim and complained about the lack of water. They had just experienced the miracle of the manna and its comforting reminder that God was with them. A few days later, however, they were asking, “Is the Lord among us, or not?” (Ex. 17:7). Had they remembered God’s provision with the manna and expressed gratitude, they could have trusted in Him once more and held out hope for a water supply.

Another time, when God told Moses to speak before Pharaoh and display miraculous signs, the Egyptian ruler chose to ignore the obvious. Even his own magicians could see what was happening. They finally came to their senses, acknowledged God’s work and said, “This is the finger of God” (Ex. 8:19).

God speaks to us, but we won’t know that if we have a hardened heart. Are we listening? Are we giving thanks? Take a moment to reflect on the state of your heart, and trust where the Holy Spirit directs you.