There is a difference between stubborn and tenacious. Stubbornness is rooted in a sinful inner stronghold. It is fueled by our rebellious flesh. Tenacity is a heart-conviction based on truth. Jeremiah 1:10 is God’s way of uprooting sinful habits. It says, “…to root out and to pull down, to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” Once we confess our sinful habit, He cleanses the area where the stronghold was in our heart. That area is free to implant God’s word that will keep us free. 

Let me give you an example. The grumpy person received a fiery dart-lie. It was a suggestion: you were treated unfairly. They built a case out of it and erected a grudge. It became a heart-idol that they served. The mole hill slight became a mountain of offense. All they can see is the mountain. They go before the Holy Spirit and ask why they are always grumpy. He reveals the lie. They confess it as sin, and forgive the person who slighted them. That is the ‘root out’ part. The next part is to build and to plant. That takes specific Scriptures that address the heart.

The ways we have tried to change have been in our own strength. Anything we do independent of God is futile. Here is His way. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” Here is a weapon-verse for the formerly grumpy person. Proverbs 4:23 says to guard our heart with all diligence. 

Diligence is like tenacity. They must tenaciously guard their heart by ignoring satan’s future suggestions. They don’t give them another thought. They implant God’s word by memorizing a verse in the opposite spirit of grumpiness. Throughout the day they meditate on what it means to them. They add other verses to help them walk in truth.

Psalm 100:2 says, “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” Their heart sings with praise to the One who they believe in. Their new motive is to worship and glorify Him. Their thoughts become partakers of His nature. Their attitude reflects Him. The Holy Spirit uses the word to help them form a new joyful habit. Grumpiness was taken out and joyfulness was planted in its place. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, which is fruit that glorifies the Lord.