God’s Promise of a New Heart: Ezekiel 36:26

Ezekiel 36:26 (ESV)

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Context

Ezekiel prophesied to the people of Israel during their exile, a time of spiritual and national devastation. This verse is part of God’s promise to restore His people, not just outwardly but inwardly. It signifies a profound transformation—a shift from rebellion to relationship—brought about by the work of God’s Spirit.

Devotional

Ezekiel 36:26 reveals a God who doesn’t just repair but renews. He promises to replace hearts hardened by sin, pain, and rebellion with hearts that are tender and responsive to Him. This transformation isn’t achieved through human effort but through God’s Spirit working within us. How often do we cling to hardened habits, fears, or grudges, unable to change on our own? This verse reminds us that true renewal comes when we surrender to God, allowing Him to soften what we cannot. It’s not just a change in behavior—it’s a transformation of who we are at our core.

Practical Tip

Take a moment to ask God to reveal any areas in your heart that feel hardened—whether it’s unforgiveness, fear, or resistance to His will. Pray specifically for Him to replace those areas with a heart that is tender, open, and responsive to His Spirit.