Weekly Text 9/22/2024

 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10

You are familiar with the backstory of this Psalm and the leading characters of David and Bathsheba and later the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel11-12).  You also are aware that the condition of our heart is of paramount importance to God (1 Samuel 16:7).  And that relationship with God and bearing the image of Christ is the primary purpose of His Grace and not our minimum score on the righteousness scale. (Romans 8:15)

However, we often fall into the trap of measuring ourselves on the righteousness scale. There we either overestimate our score and underestimate the score needed thus, easily satisfied with our "right-standing" with God.  Or we are anxious about our relationship with God, what He thinks of us, and what all that means for us.

Recently, I have been challenged again and again in my Scripture readings and devotional readings to not be content and easily satisfied in my relationship with God but, to desire Him more and more. To know Him, to know His ways and to be transformed because of that knowledge (Romans 12:2).  I am also being shown how much more work needs to be done to create a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.  King David knew, and you know, and I know, that the content of our heart is the ink that outlines the image of Christ that is being painted on the canvas of our life for all the world to see.  

For me, there is still a lot of selfish, sinful garbage that is stinking up my heart.  It shows itself in my hidden thoughts, the words that flow out of my mouth and my actions (and inactions) that I engage in.  It is overwhelming to think about but, not the least bit overwhelming to God.  

Something to be thankful for today.  

Even more, we can be thankful that while He is cleaning up and sanctifying the very essence of who we are (His child, His Image-bearer), He continues to pour heaps of His gracious love upon us.  

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:5-6

Have a great day in the Lord!