David had messed up big time. He’d managed to commit both adultery and murder as part of a single crime. He’d been shocked to learn that his sins had been discovered, and he realized that he had only himself to blame. The whole sorry business stemmed from a deep spiritual problem. His heart had been corrupted. His walk with God had died. Very predictably, he was miserable.
Is there any remedy for a mess like this?
No, not humanly, but David knew that God was the answer. He asked God to “create” in him a “clean heart.” Only God can do that. And he asked God to renew a “right spirit within me.” Spiritual renewal is always the first step.
Then he asked God to restore to him the privilege of walking with the Holy Spirit. He needed God’s Spirit to again be a regular presence in his life so that he could experience the true joy of his salvation.
If God could do this for David, he can do it for us, too. Few of us have sinned so seriously, but all of us need regular renewal by his Spirit. We need to have our hearts scrubbed clean.
Do you need to experience, again, the great joy of being one of his forgiven children? He can give it to you. Turn to him and ask.
Father, Thank you for this reminder that you forgive all my sin, no matter how serious or how small it might seem in my eyes. Thank you for the gift of your Son, who united me in his death so I could be freed from sin’s penalty, and has made me eternally alive with him through the Spirit. Continue to work in my heart and mind so that I become more and more like him through your indwelling Spirt.
Throughout This Day: Thank God often for his perfect forgiveness, and for the gift of his Holy Spirit dwelling in you, enabling you to trust and obey.
Suggested Reading: Throughout this year, why not begin each day with this prayer, inviting God to bless your body, your labor, your emotions, your social life, and your spiritual growth? It will surely bring renewal!
Photo Credit: Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash