“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give to you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

Just a few weeks ago my wife and I found ourselves driving past Monument Valley in Utah. As we did I experienced a flood of memories. You see, many decades ago I spent my college years running from God. I wouldn’t say that I was ignoring Him on purpose so much as I was simply running to everything else the world had to offer. Those days stretched on with joy becoming more and more elusive. Upon graduation I had found myself in this same valley, driving from Colorado to a new life in California. Around sunset, in the midst these vistas and colorful canyons the gentle voice of God called out to me saying,

“How long are you going to run from me?”

I can’t explain why God chose that moment to speak to me, but I knew instantly that it was Him. I felt a transformation in that moment that to this day I cannot explain, but that I know is very real. In a matter of minutes God removed my heart of stone and replaced it with a heart of flesh. Today I have only faint memories of my former life for when God gives you a new heart, it also comes with a brand new spirit! All you have to do is be willing to say yes. For someone reading this day, God may be saying to you, “How long are you going to run from me?” Turn to Him. Your Joy will return.