Fixed. Obstinate. Steadfastly Set.

 

Psalm 57:7, "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise."

FIXED=Strong's H3559, which means...

To be firm

To be stable

To be established

To be set up

To be fixed

To be firmly established

To be secure

To be enduring

To be securely enduring

To be securely determined

To be directed aright

To be morally steadfast

To prepare

To be ready

To be settled

To be arranged

To provide or furnish

To direct toward

To order

To be fastened

To be restored

Deuteronomy 2:30 tells us that "God hardened" Sihon the king of Heshbon's spirit "and made his heart obstinate."

OBSTINATE=Strong's H553, which means...

To be strong

To be alert

To be courageous

To be brave

To be stout

To be bold

To be solid

To be hard

To strengthen

To secure for oneself

To harden or make firm

To make obstinate

Assure

To be determined

To make oneself alert

To strengthen oneself

To confirm oneself

To persist in

To prove superior to

To exhibit strength, be strong, feel strong

It sounds like when a heart is hard or obstinate, it's really just giving itself up to its own devices and desires. Because a large aspect of being OBSTINATE is taking things upon yourself and refusing any outside source of help/strength.

Versus having your heart FIXED: right morally, directed to the truth, prepared and orderly, and submitted to the direction and establishment and authority of God.

Let's take Christ's example. When Jesus "steadfastly set" (Strong's G4741) His face to Jerusalem, it meant He made His gaze and direction stable--firmly placed--set fast--fixed. His resolve was strong and firm. He rendered His course and focus to be constant, confirmed. His mind was set.

As always, Jesus is the holy, perfect combination of "fixed" and "obstinate " when He was "steadfastly set" to submissive obedience to the Father. Jesus constantly sought help and strength from God, and was not swayed from His course when tempted or threatened to back down. And all this with gentleness, love, and compassion toward man.

May we glean from Christ's example!

Blessings and Love,

G