A Pure Heart

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psalm 51:10)

Meditation

No matter how hard I try, no matter how nice I am in the eyes of other people, I cannot have a pure heart on my own. Even with the Spirit in my heart, any goodness or purity comes from the power given me by the Lord.  I need his constant presence in my life to cleanse me of all the junk this world has to offer. Without him, I can easily slip back into being the same old jerk I used to be, especially if I’m around the wrong kind of people. Without the Spirit’s help, I would slip back into my old ways quicker than you can say, John-Jingle-Heimer-Schmidt. If I hadn’t given my life to Christ, I would quickly retaliate if I were embarrassed or mocked. My heart could easily become as black as coal if I was hurt.
If I was so easily turned into such a hateful person, how can I ever be said to have a pure heart? If a pure heart in me were to come about from my old heart, it just wouldn’t happen. That’s the real miracle here. God takes my old dead heart and creates a new loving heart when I submit myself to Jesus. I don’t have the ability or the power to be pure of heart on my own. I needed the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, who took my sins with him to the grave. The Spirit of Christ is focusing my thoughts on what is good and pure. Of course, I slip from time to time, which always breaks my heart. One thing that helps me is knowing that God will forgive me and show me the way back to the righteous path I’ve slipped away from.
The human heart is inconsistent, at best, and mine is certainly among them. One moment I’ll strive to be just like Jesus and practically the next, I’m falling into a dark mood. The tough part for me is to really count on God to give me back that pure heart. The devil wants me to think I’ve gone too far, and I’ll never get back. So, I always try to force my way through those difficult times, instead of turning to the only one who can purify my heart. I need God to keep my heart on the straight and narrow. It’s the Lord God Almighty who gives me a steadfast heart. My heart, on its own, is weak and easily brought low. It’s only God who strengthens and protects me from any plan the devil has for me. Simply put, it’s God’s love that sustains and revitalizes my heart so I can accomplish the work of his kingdom.




Daily Prayer

Heavenly Father you hold this world in the palm of your hand. We can only be in awe of your power and might. We can only wonder at the strength of your will. Father, we are yours to mold and make into righteous followers of Jesus. Help us to be upright and pure as we follow the plan you have for our lives. Take away the filth that pollutes our hearts and puts separation between you and us. Lord, you have told us to love everyone, but we still harbor hatred for our enemies. Please, give us a heart like Jesus, who even forgave the people who put him on the cross. We know if we hate anyone, your love is not in our hearts and we are still lost. Father remind us of that first moment when we turned to Jesus in repentance. Help us to remember the feelings of love that flooded our hearts and renew that spirit of love in us. Send us, marching out into the world with the message of that love on our lips. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!

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