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. – Psalm 51:10-12
If we have ever felt spiritless or abandoned (by God or others), we especially can relate to David’s impassioned plea: “Don’t cast me away; don’t take your Spirit from me!”
When after reflection and confession God puts a new and right spirit within us, that now-willing spirit must be sustained. Otherwise we may forget God’s graciousness and generosity in restoring us, in remaining NEAR us, in allowing the holy Spirit to stay WITH us.
The clean heart God is creating in us yearns to be united with God, to stay with God. May it be so for us today. Amen.
Pastor Joe
