“Create in me a pure heart…” – Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
God is more interested in the condition of our hearts than the condition of our house.
We can clean our rooms, our yard, and our clothes. But if the heart is dirty, everything else is still polluted. David knew this: after he sinned, he didn’t pray for a clean reputation; he prayed for a clean heart.
Friends, sometimes we may fall short of God’s standards and laws, and we may sin. Our life is not over once we genuinely develop a repentant heart and seek God’s face for correction. Know this:
A) The heart is the source of life, and everything flows from it: your words, decisions, and your future (Proverbs 4:23). Give God your heart and allow Him to mould you.
B) God sees the heart, not the face (1st Samuel 16:7). People look at us and see our appearance, not so with God. He looks much deeper, for it is the heart that determines how we perform in this world. In 1st Samuel 16, young David was already battle-ready and fearless. He was ready to serve God’s purpose. Are you ready?
C) Dirty things must be cleared from our hearts. What dirties the heart: unforgiveness, anger, theft, slander, and such like (Matthew 15:19). These, along with lust and evil thoughts, must be shunned from our minds. Matthew 5:8, KJV, says, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Wickedness should never be allowed to take root in our hearts at any time.
How can we clean the heart?
- By the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 9:14)
- By the Word of God (Psalm 119:9)
- By repentance and confession (1st John 1:9)
- By accepting the Holy Spirit by faith (Acts 15:8-9)
God is not looking for perfect people; He is looking for pure hearts; hearts that are willing to yield to Him and His guidance. Are you willing to make yourself one of His vessels for good? Allow Him to un-clutter your heart today.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I ask You to search my heart and wash me with the blood of Jesus. Remove from me bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, lust, and every hidden sin in my life. Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Let my heart be a place where you can dwell daily. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Read: Proverbs 21:4; Hebrews 12:15
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 26:13-22; Hebrews 2; Obadiah 1