March 5
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
Psalm 51 is my favorite chapter in the Bible. This Psalm was the backdrop to the message I heard the night I surrendered my addiction - and life - to God. I remember that night very well and the words the preacher spoke regarding this particular verse. As I lay sobbing uncontrollably on the floor, one of the many things I prayed for - pleaded for - was that God would create a clean heart in me. I was tired of the way I had been living. Tired of the chaos and turmoil I felt inside. I finally - and desperately - wanted something else. I confessed my need for Him, and that He alone can give me what I truly need. God has been gracious and merciful. He has been loving and forgiving. He took the old heart of mine that night and has been patiently and lovingly working on a new one.
David wrote Psalm 51 after being confronted by the Prophet Nathan following his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Psalm 51 is a beautiful and poignant display of brokenness and recognition of a dependence on God for everything. In verse 10, David asks God to create a pure heart within him. The Hebrew word used here for create is “bara.” It is the same word used in Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”). Bara implies making something out of nothing. David realizes his heart isn’t just stained or a little dirty - and that a “quick clean” is enough. He is spiritually dead. He doesn’t need a makeover. He needs a miracle that only God can perform - the creation (bara) of a pure heart.
A pure heart is the center of the will, intellect, and moral character of a person. It is a heart that is undivided and sincere. It’s a heart that recognizes the “DIY approach” to morality is miserably insufficient. It’s a heart desiring the spiritual surgery that only a loving God can do. God is not only the Creator of our hearts and lives, but He is also the Restorer. So, it has been in my life since the night I surrendered. God has been restoring my heart. He continues to do the work on my heart that only He can do. Daily I must confess my need for Him and ask Him to carry on the work of restoring and renewing my heart - and my life.
Father - Thank You for Your presence, love, and forgiveness in my life. Like David, my heart doesn't need a simple makeover. It needs a miracle. My heart needs You to perform the spiritual surgery only You can do. I need You, Father. I need You to continue working in my life and changing my heart. Create in me a pure heart, O God. Thank You for loving me so much and for desiring this change in me. You are the Great (heart) Physician. In Your name we pray. Amen