Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10, NIV*
To step out from behind my wall of self-protection and live authentically with others…
to trust God to be my Protector and to let His life give itself through me…
I need a pure heart and a steadfast spirit.
Purifying the heart, renewing the steadfast spirit, comes by removing the fallen wall’s rubble so that I can step out through it.
Sometimes purification needs strong cleansers. Or fire. It needs an expert and delicate touch—only God, who broke the wall, can do it.
What feeds a pure heart? Dependence on God and delight in Him. Time alone with Him, with heart, mind and spirit tuned to His.
Father, thank You more than words can say for rescuing me from a life—and a death—separated from You. You have saved me… You are saving me… You will save me. In the saving, make my heart pure. Make my spirit steadfast. Help me learn to depend on You and to live authentically in Your world.
∞
Brian Doerksen’s song, “Refiner’s Fire,” is a challenging prayer that holds nothing in reserve. May it be our prayer nonetheless.
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
God is always longing to give each and every one of us a pure heart and steadfast spirit….. Oh how we need to want to do things God’s way, instead of our own way….. As we struggle, we have God’s promise that He will not break a bent reed or put out a smoldering wick….. All things are possible with God, so it’s good to know that He cares so deeply, Jesus willingly suffered and died to pay for our sins.
Thank you for this post.
“…purification needs strong cleansers. Or fire…”
Well said, Janet. And you’ve chosen one of my favorite songs to go with it as well.
I also want to live authentically and outside of my walls of self-protection, Janet. Good food for thought…
So hard to do, Mary, but I think it’s what we’re called to… And He did it first.