Journey to Jerusalem Day 8

Wednesday, March 4 Psalm 51:7-12
7 You shall purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; *
you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 You shall make me hear of joy and gladness, *
that the bones which you have broken may rejoice.
9 Turn your face from my sins, *
and blot out all my misdeeds.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence, *
and take not your holy Spirit from me.
12 O give me the comfort of your help again, *
and sustain me with your willing Spirit.

Becoming aware of our sins and then striving to speak, think, and live differently is part of maturing in faith. However, many of us get stuck there, incorrectly thinking, or at least behaving, as if the transformation of our appetites and affections rests solely on us.
Of course, we do have a role to play in our transformation! Paul says to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2). By this he means we submit our minds to Scripture and our bodies to liturgical disciplines that help orient our hearts Godward.
Psalm 51 reminds us that our primary posture towards God is receptive. All of the actions in our text are God’s actions. It is He who purges, washes, makes joyful. It is God who has the work of creating new hearts, accepting sinful, yet forgiven people. It is God who blesses with his Holy Spirit, comforting and sustaining individuals in trials and temptations. The primary work is God’s! The primary posture of God’s people is to receive this work!
Take a moment to consider this powerful truth: The God who created this world desires to create new life in you! His actions toward you flow from a heart that is tender towards you. In mercy, you are welcomed. In mercy, God acts on your behalf. God is in pursuit of you today with love and mercy; with forgiveness and renewal. Receive his love. Allow him to purge the obvious and secret sins of your heart. Receive his joy and renewal today.

Gracious Lord, we are thankful that you create new hearts! We confess ours are broken and bent away from you. Open our eyes to your mercy and love, to receive everything you want to do within us today. Joyfully we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!