Psalm 51:10-11 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.”  NKJV

For some time now I have awakened early and one of the first thoughts on my mind is this passage from the Psalms.  It has long been the cry of my heart and lately has become even more intense.  I have discovered that when that happens it is an indication of something about to transpire in which I need an abundant flow of His Grace to empower me personally or help others in something they are facing.  God does not always let me know what is coming but He lets me know that I need to seek Him more diligently and earnestly.  I have learned some things about how He operates in my life and when this happens, I listen.

Look at the cry or prayer of David here and when you do it is little wonder that God would call him a man after God’s own heart.  Listen to the earnest craving for God:

1. Create in me a CLEAN HEART.

Oh, how we sometimes neglect our hearts and allow little bits of debris to come in and taint our attitudes.  David is asking for a “renewed washing” of his inner man.  He knows that a “clean heart” before God is the only possible condition in which he can be what God wants him to be, his nation needs him to be, and his family is so desperate for him to be.

• Renew in me a STEADFAST SPIRIT.

Wow!  Not only is he asking for a “total cleansing” of his heart, but he wants God to strengthen his resolve and commitment.  I believe that comes from Knowing GOD in a deeply personal manner and from understanding God’s Covenant in its practical function, not just the theological implications.

• Do not CAST ME AWAY from Your Presence

David, as did Paul and many in Scripture, had a compelling desire to always live in a relationship with the Lord that would preclude them from being castaways.  They guarded, with the help of the Holy Spirit, against allowing any condition of heart, mind, or attitude to place them outside the favor of God.  They understood that it is ONLY in God’s Presence that there was their hope of sustaining life and liberty.

• And DO NOT TAKE Your Holy Spirit from me.

Again, David as did the great men of Scripture and history the importance, which Jesus identified in the New Testament, of the Helper (the Holy Spirit) in our daily work, work, and warfare.  Sadly, many in Scripture were completely unaware that the Spirit of God had left them, and the results were disastrous.  I am conscious of His presence, nudging, and ministry in my life.  I am aware of His influence on what I think, say, and do.  I am completely cognizant of those times when He clearly has taken the lead and is performing the function of MY HELPER, MY TEACHER, and MY GUIDE!

So, if you are like me, and this is something that is burning in your heart it might be well to take a day or two and just find a place of solitude where you can “fast and pray” without making a public display or announcement.  Your purpose is not recognition of your effort by man but a relationship with God.

May the rich blessings of the Lord be upon you as you go through your day and week!