The Heart of the Matter

“For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth.” Exodus 9:14

At this point in the story of the Exodus, Pharaoh and the Egyptians have suffered quite a bit already.

In chapter 9, they suffered the death/destruction of "all the cattle of Egypt." (Exodus 9:6). Phoraoh, though hardened his heart and would not let God's people go. (Exodus 9:7) Following that, they suffered from "a boil breaking forth with blains." (Exodus 9:10) I don't care how you "slice it or dice it," boils breaking forth with blains would not be a fun thing to suffer from!

Then, in verse 14, the Lord opens up about what is His real target - it was Pharaoh's heart!

The real battleground in these chapters of Egypt had never been physical. The real battleground had always been the heart.

That's why verses such as Proverbs 4:23 are so important for us to take heed to!

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23

How's your heart today? Is it at peace with God? Or is it a battleground of thoughts, feelings, and emotions?

Pharaoh's life would have been much more peaceful and enjoyable if he had simply, in his heart, surrendered to God and obeyed.

Your life can be much more peaceful and enjoyable if you simply will, in your heart, surrender to God and obey Him!