A melted heart in a man is not a bad thing in itself. In fact it can be said that a man is blessed who has a soft heart. But the process by which the Lord softens our hearts is not always an easy one.

We all know that Job suffered immensely. He had great losses and numerous afflictions. The wonder is that he was not hardened and made bitter, but rather, he was softened and melted.

Our hearts are naturally hard and hardening. Only the Lord can make them soft, and only He can keep them soft. Three things soften us.

1. God’s Word. The Scriptures have melting power.
2. God’s gifts. When we see and experience the Lord’s goodness it humbles us. His kind providences often melt His people.
3. Afflictions. These afflictions however must be accompanied by the Word and Holy Spirit otherwise they might in the longer term be hardening.

Pray for a soft heart. Best to get it sitting obediently at Christ’s feet, than under the rod of His correction.

We must not only pray that the Lord will give us soft hearts but that He would also guard us from the hardening influences of sin, the world and afflictions.

“Tenderness of heart is wrought by an apprehension of tenderness and love in Christ. A soft heart is made soft by the blood of Christ” (Richard Sibbes 1577-1635).

“As when things are cold we bring them to the fire to heat and melt, so we bring our cold hearts to the fire of the love of Christ” (Richard Sibbes 1577-1635).