”…grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:12 (NIV)
Brethren, whether you are here in Georgetown, in Berbice, in Linden, in Essequibo, or far away in Brooklyn, Toronto, London, Miami, or Africa, God sees your heart.
David said a prayer of repentance (Psalm 51) after he fell into deep sin. He didn’t ask God for a new position or for people to forget what he did. He asked for something to be done on the inside – a clean heart and a right spirit (Verse 10).
Many of us know how to look right. We dress up for church on Sunday, we shout “Hallelujah”, and we are always doing nice things for people: cooking, sharing, and helping. But what is the state of our inside? Sometimes our hearts are still full of bitterness from old family land/inheritance issues, unforgiveness for friends or a loved one who hurt us, jealousy, or pride. We cannot give what we do not have. A dirty heart cannot produce the right spirit! But what really is a Clean Heart?
We may respond and say, “A heart that is clean from inside,” but a clean heart is a heart that is washed by the blood of Jesus and free from malice. Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV) asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?… The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…” Friends, God desires faithfulness even before we are born, as Psalm 51:6 says.
You may ask, “What is a right spirit? A right spirit is a spirit that is steadfast, humble, and willing to obey God. It’s not moody today and angry tomorrow. It is a spirit that stays faithful whether things are good or hard at home in Guyana or in the cold diaspora. God requires obedience, even as He gives us a new heart and puts a new spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26).
Today, we don’t need to pretend – simply pray as King David did, sincerely. Let’s take a moment and ask the Lord to wash us. 1st John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. And He is the God of Truth.
Prayer
Father, today I ask You to search my heart. Forgive me for bitterness, pride, and everything that is not like You. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Whether at home or far away, let my life bring glory to You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Acts 2:38; Galatians 5:16
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 26:3-12; Titus 2; Habakkuk 1; Habakkuk 2; Habakkuk 3