UNDER THE SURFACE
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10 (NLT)
As we draw closer to spring, every year I find myself making the same comment: I’m tired of the cold, and it seems like endless darkness is surrounding us. Only for my wife to remind me that Spring is coming. From the beginning of fall until the start of spring often seems like an eternity for many of us. During that time, we may look good on the surface to others, but we’re withering underneath, in the isolation of ourselves and even in the choices we’ve made. I believe it’s safe to say that in these moments, we would all love to be renewed, especially from within.
In Psalm 51:10, David asks that God create a clean heart and a renewed spirit within him. David realized the only way forward was through repentance and God's spiritual renewal. Just as David learned this, we too must evaluate ourselves and ask why we are in a dark place. Sometimes we don’t have the answer to that question, and in turn, it can drive us deeper into the idea that we are beyond change. If the renewal is real, how and where can I find it? David gave us some directions on the answer to that question. He poured his heart out to God, and he acknowledged his own personal downfalls. To renew or restore something, it must first be cleaned up, and then it can be brought back to its former state of beauty. It’s never an easy process, but the Creator of the universe says you are worth it. Go to God, share your heart, and ask that He renew you from within. When others see you, there will be no question for them but to say that you have been with God. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
APPLICATION: Are you allowing yourself to wear the mask of denial and say I’m good when God says, Let Me renew you from the inside out? Have you allowed yourself to be comfortable where you are? Allow yourself to embrace that God loves you where you are, but He also loves you too much to leave you there! Get connected and let the Spirit begin to grow amazing things within you by renewing what is broken.
PRAYER: Father, create in me a clean heart, renew Your spirit within me and shine Your light of direction into my life. Reveal to me the community You have for me that will guide me into growing into who You have planned me to be for Your glory. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?