CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART
As I ponder the phrase, "Create a Clean Heart in Me", these things stand out to me:
"Create a Clean Heart"
As the fourth verse indicates, sin is always ultimately against God. Even one's sin in a lateral sense, towards others, is always ultimately against God - because He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
Having said that, however, sin wreaks havoc with our heart! Like rust on an automobile, and a limb eaten away with a deadly disease, it can never be restored to what it had been before.
However, the word "Create" indicates that a heart "can" be recreated new and clean!
Once David had sinned with Bathsheba, it totally changed the dynamic of the relationship with God, and the Kingdom God had entrusted to David. He would never be able to restore all that adultery had ruined, and all that the murder had ruined.
However, God can create a clean heart that is bigger than both!
How so? Once sin has been recognized, and dealt with, the love and forgiveness of God puts a new "design", however, not necessarily the outward, "seen" aspect of that design. If a piece of wood is cut too short in a building project, no problem, there is always the possibility that this new length will fit perfectly in another part of the project. A word that is being heard commonly in the work place today is, "Re-invent your job." This relates somewhat, but doesn't go far enough. God actually goes further, and creates. One example of this in David's life, is the birth of Solomon, who became the wisest man that ever lived! The wisdom God gave Solomon did an amazing job with both adultery and murder, by demonstrating almost countless ways to deal with them.
There is an old saying that comes from the old barn yard, "Once a dog has been allowed to taste a chicken, you can never trust that dog to watch the chicken house again!" However, this does not address the amazing wisdom and creative power of God, who can Create a Clean Heart!
What, then is left for one who has "blown it", like David? Simply take each component of the prayer seriously, starting with the cry for a clean heart.
a. Renew a right spirit within me. Always check the heart by keeping track of its spirit. What exudes from a person is a picture of the spirit of the heart. We all carry an influence. How are we being perceived? One definite way to check this out, is in terms of authority. Proverbs 22:11 indicates that the grace exuding from the lips, engenders the friendship of a ruler.
b. Discover Joy in places never expected before! God's Word will come alive in areas that never seen before. This, in itself, proves a new heart. Jesus reminds us that the "Pure in Heart see God!" Joy will show itself in new harvests of new seeds sown. Melodies and Lyrics of songs will have fresh, new meaning.
c. Experience the sustaining power of God's amazing grace as never before, as He gives the will and power to do His will. (Hebrews 13:21) The amazing ability to persevere will shine as never before, as the light of a new horizon shines anew.
d. Be Entrusted With the gift of being able to lead those who have transgressed. This is perhaps one of the greatest privileges of all! Look at the "Treasury of David" in the Psalms, as an example.
Created over 1 year ago
