Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
Sitting at Jesus’ feet (as Mary did in Luke 10) means adopting a posture of attentive listening, dependence, and worship before Christ. There are several benefits of doing so. One such benefit is the opportunity to be humble and repentant.
Mary’s posture at Jesus’ feet shows something simple and radical: humility with Christ above busyness. When we settle into His presence, two things happen. First, light shines on the hidden places of the heart — not to shame, but to reveal what needs healing. Second, Christ’s nearness offers cleansing and grace, not condemnation.
Isaiah’s encounter (Isaiah 6:5-7) shows the pattern: seeing the holiness of God led Isaiah to an honest admission of sin, which was met immediately with cleansing. Peter’s response to Jesus after the miraculous catch “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8) — likewise opens the way to service, not exclusion. Repentance is not a withdrawal from God but a turning toward Him; humility names what is wrong and invites God to transform it.
Sitting at Jesus’ feet trains us in this gentle exposure. In silence and Scripture, God convicts us with love; in confession, we receive forgiveness; in the Spirit’s power, we are renewed. James 4:6 warns against pride and calls for humility; 1 John 1:9 assures us that confession brings cleansing. The result is not guilt that crushes, but a rightness that frees us to live more faithfully.
These are some important questions we must ask ourselves as we continue in this life:
• What keeps me from sitting quietly before Jesus?
• When has honest confession led to freedom in my life?
• What is one small, concrete change the Spirit is asking of me this week?
Choose one small act of repentance and restoration: apologise to someone you’ve wronged, stop an unhelpful habit for one week, or replace a selfish pattern with a loving action toward another. Report to a trusted friend or prayer partner for accountability, and watch God do the rest.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I come and sit at Your feet. Show me with gentleness what I hide from myself. Give me courage to confess, grace to be changed, and a humble heart that clings to You. Cleanse me, renew me, and lead me in Your ways. Amen.
Read: James 4:6-10; 1 John 1:8
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 17:1-5; Matthew 19:1-15; Job 4; Job 5; Job 6; Job 7