Psalm 51 - Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 24 - Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up their soul to an idol or swear by what is false.
The state of our heart is what matters most to God; not how good we are, how many deeds we have done, what finance or time we have given to the church or community, or the image we project when we come to church. Scripture tells us that man looks at the outside, but God looks at the heart. Jesus was far more interested in the state of people’s hearts rather than their outward appearance, behaviour, or how much scripture they could quote.
I believe getting our hearts right individually and within community is the most powerful thing in terms of God’s presence coming more among us and the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and with us as a church. I truly believe that if we seek to get our hearts right above all else, both with God and with those in our church and community, then God’s Spirit will begin to move in ways that we are yet to see.
David was a “man after God’s own heart” even though he committed sexual assault and murder. There were consequences for his actions, but his heart was quick to be repentant and honest and humble when his actions were exposed. He wrote these beautiful words of prayer and confession in Psalm 51 which I want to make a regular part of my life and prayer. God, create in me a clean heart! Renew a right spirit in me, and please don’t take your Holy Spirit from me! I need you like I need oxygen and water, and without you I will thirst and be separated from your living water.
This Advent, make your prayer the prayer of David; both personally, but also each time you enter church. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything and anyone that you have issue with which may be hardening your heart or bringing grief to God. This is a prayer God loves to answer, and which I have found particularly freeing for me personally over recent months. God loves you and he wants your heart – all of it. It is the greatest give you can bring to the new born King this Christmas.
Grace and Peace - Garry