In this daily Bible reading is the account of Cyrus, King of Persia, returning the Jewish captives to Israel and Judah. He also returned the articles of worship that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took from the Temple. Cyrus issued an edict or proclamation giving the Jews his support. Cyrus did this because “the Lord stirred up the heart of King Cyrus of Persia.”
God also stirred up the spirit of those who would rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 42,360 Jews returned to Israel after 70 years of captivity.
In this account we see how God communicates with people. He ‘stirs up their hearts’ to proceed down a path that God wants for them. I have felt such stirring in my heart. When I am doing what God wants me to do, I feel contentment and know that it is the right path. Conversely, when I proceed down a path that God does not favor, I do not feel contentment. Also, things do not work out as I had planned.
We need to be in tune with God’s leading in our lives as He ‘stirs our hearts’ to do something. This sensitivity is developed over a lifetime. Additionally, reading the Bible enhances this sensitivity.
