Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Psalm 51:10 (NAS)

This is part of King David’s prayer after he is confronted with his sin of adultery with Bathsheba. Notice that he does not simply ask God to forgive him. David recognizes the depth of his sin and implores God to create in him a clean heart. This word, bara, is the same word used in Genesis 1, and refers to something only God can do. Only He can create something out of nothing (ex-nihilo), and David knows that there is nothing in him that can accomplish the necessary change. So he asks for a miracle. He doesn’t need a change of heart; he needs an entirely new heart and a firm, constant spirit to keep him loyal to the Lord. This is a beautiful, Biblical foreshadowing of our new birth in Christ. We recognize our sin because of the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are powerless to overcome it and all its negative effects in our life. Therefore, Jesus grants us an entirely new life. The old things pass away and (behold!) new things have come (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Dear Lord,

You are breathtaking in grace and mercy, and wonderful in power and purpose. Thank You for the deep internal change I could never have accomplished on my own. You knew my need and gave me a new heart that is endlessly filled with gratitude and love for You. Please me make me aware of every opportunity to share Your boundless love with others.

I love You, Lord.

Amen.