“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
In the same way our homes can become cluttered with things we no longer need, our hearts can become overcrowded with hurt, bitterness, unforgiveness, fear, pride, guilt, and disappointment. When these burdens remain, they can influence how we see ourselves, others, and even God.
David’s prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God…,” gives us the right starting point to begin clearing the clutter. David did not just ask God to change his circumstances; he asked Him to transform what was happening within. We can be as direct as we want to in our asking or praying about our heart matters.
David again prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” (Psalm 139:23). Is there an offense that keeps replaying in your mind? Is there a disappointment that you have not surrendered? Or, is there a fear that has become stronger than your faith? Brothers and sisters, we cannot release what we refuse to acknowledge.
We are encouraged in Hebrews 12:1 to “…lay aside every weight…” that hinders us. Forgiveness is a weighty matter and often a critical part of clearing the heart. Ephesians 4:31-32 calls on us to put away bitterness and anger and to become “kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other.” While forgiveness does not erase what happened, it releases its continuing control over our hearts.
Clearing the clutter is important, but God does not simply want our hearts to be empty. He wants hearts filled with Him. When we surrender bitterness, more room is created for love. When we clear out fear, more room is created for faith. When we clear out anxiety, there is room for peace.
Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) reminds us, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Today, what are you allowing to occupy your heart and influence your thinking? We should all be guided by Philippians 4:8, which encourages us to focus on what is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and worthy of praise. Having a heart after God does not mean having a perfect heart, but rather, it means having a surrendered heart – a heart that is willing to be corrected, cleansed, healed, and transformed.
Today, let’s allow God into the places we have kept closed. Let’s clear the clutter, release the weight, and make room for Him.
Prayer
LOrd Jesus, search my heart and show me what I need to clear out. Help me to release bitterness, anger, fear, unforgiveness, and every other burden taking up space within me. I ask You to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Help me guard my heart and fill it with Your love and Your peace, so that Your purposes for my life can be fulfilled. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Read: Isaiah 43:18-19; Matthew 6:14-15
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 117; Colossians 1:24-29; Colossians 2:1-5; Jeremiah 9:17-26; Jeremiah 10; Jeremiah 11:1-17