When your words are hard

Jesus, sometimes your words are hard.

They were hard for the disciples when you talked about marriage.

They were hard for the rich young man when you told him to let go of what he held most dear in order to follow you.

Sometimes you say things that I don’t want to hear.

I don’t want to hear it because my heart is hard, and I would prefer to do things my way because my way is “easier.”

Or there are things in my life that I don’t want to let go of.

But when your words are hard, help me to remember that you are good.

When your words are hard, help me to remember your way is best.

And when your words are hard, help me to keep a soft heart, following you and your ways.

Because though your words may be hard, they are the words of life. (John 6:63, 68)