Thus says the Lord God of Israel: “Concerning the words which you have heard— because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they would become a desolation and a curse, and you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord. Surely, therefore, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace; and your eyes shall not see all the calamity which I will bring on this place.” (2 Kings 22:18-20, NKJV)

Despite awful circumstances and despite what was likely an unfortunate upbringing at the hands of a godless man, the young king Josiah had one intangible that God clearly cited as the reason for His favor toward him. That intangible was a tender heart, particularly toward His word. That heart spurred Josiah to humble himself when he heard the word of God. That heart provoked Josiah to tear his clothes and weep before the Lord. That heart was the reason God heard Josiah. God favors a tender heart. Is your heart as tender as Josiah’s heart in the presence of the Lord?