Our scripture this morning is Psalms 51:10-12 (NRSV).
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.
This psalm is one of my favorites. While it speaks of our mistakes as humans, it also tells of God’s love and forgiveness for us. When we come to Him in repentance we can receive His mercy and be restored.
David wrote this psalm in response to the prophet Nathan opening his eyes to the sin he had committed (2 Samuel 12). Sometimes we are the same way and don’t realize how badly we have fallen. It takes great courage and love to call out sin in our lives, but God is always ready to hear our confession and forgive us.
This passage asks God for “a clean heart” and “a new and right spirit”. This is the way we were originally created, in His image and intended to be part of His work. We can be whole again through His love for us, living as Jesus taught us, and sharing the Gospel with the world.
Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we fail You and each other. Help us to flee from sin into Your love and go in Your name always. Amen.
