You’ve probably heard that the heart is more deceitful than all else (Jer. 17:9), and perhaps you’ve witnessed this truth at work in your own life. But Scripture also says anyone who believes in Jesus is a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)—so how do we know whether our desires are good or dishonest?

In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God made a promise to the nation of Israel, saying, “I will give you a new heart … I will put My Spirit within you and bring it about that you walk in My statutes, and are careful and follow My ordinances.” With this new heart, promised by the Father and fulfilled by His Son, come new desires to replace the old, and with the Spirit comes wisdom.

That promise is for believers today—we, too, have the indwelling Holy Spirit, and it’s by His guidance that we navigate which of our desires to honor and which to let go. But this relationship is a two-way street. It’s up to us to listen for the Spirit’s promptings and follow His lead. The more we tune in to His voice, the better we’ll discern the desires of our new heart.