Clean the build up

It happens slowly, over time. In many cases you don't even notice it or see it happening. Little by little, plaque can build up in the arteries that deliver blood in and out of your heart. As that plaque continues to build, restrictions form until eventually blood flow is blocked and you have a problem to deal with. Ignore it and the consequences aren't favorable. It has to be dealt with.

The same is true with people. Little by little, small things happen in a relationship. A missed phone call that wasn't returned. A political disagreement. Something is said at Thanksgiving you just can't get out of your head. A false assumption is made. Nothing gets said at all. An offense. The list goes on and on. Slowly over time the heart grows calloused toward someone, until finally there's no connection at all.

Work relationships, family relationships and friendships all suffer the same diagnosis if not dealt with. If the hearts don't connect, relationships die.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." (Psalm 51: 10) 

David knew he had messed up. He let temptation win the battle with Bathsheba and then fear drive him to murderously cover it up. But God was having none of it. Nathan called him out and plaque was building between David and God. Something had to be done. So David fell to his knees in repentance and begged for forgiveness and healing. Create in me a clean heart. Remove the inhibitors between your will and my life. Let my love for you flow freely and my actions reflect it. David had a heart problem, and he had to deal with it.

What relationships are suffering because of buildup in your heart? Where have you ignored signs and just hoped it would get better? Where are you not even paying attention?

The bad news is, we all have those areas in us where our heart has become calloused. The good news is that we can do something about it. Take the steps. Reach out even if it's awkward. Say you're sorry even if you don't want to. Start engaging and show empathy. Do something. If you aren't sure which steps to take, do as David did and ask God to start with your own heart and then direct you to others. Clean the buildup and renew your spirit before it's too late.