Psalm 51:10-13 – “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. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” 

If anyone wonders why God would call David a man after His own heart, reading a Psalm such as this should explain it.  David had a penetrating desire for God, and his continual expression and demonstration of a willingness and disposition to “Seek God” demonstrates why God would say this of David.  He was passionate about God, and we find a guide for daily living as we consider what he said.

• Create in me a CLEAN HEART.

That is an expression of “total surrender” to God; otherwise, the Holy Spirit cannot control the heart. As it is “cleansed,” we are translated from darkness into light, and in the condition and position of “light,” we are separated from wickedness and uncleanness.  David was desiring to LIVE in God’s presence.

• Renew a STEADFAST SPIRIT in me.

David wanted his heart clean and his attitude and spirit right and steadfast.  He did not want to be easily swayed by the winds of adversity but wanted to be “rock solid” in God and through God.  That meant allowing God to have control of his life.

• Do not CAST ME AWAY from Your Presence.

Again, this expressed David’s desire to be “in the presence” of God all the time, where sin would be exposed and dealt with.  Uncleanness would be brought to light and washed away.  David continued to express his desire for God to “live in” and “through” him daily.

• And do not TAKE YOUR HOLY SPIRIT from me.

David was expressing his recognition of the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit, a work and ministry we must have to live this Christian life successfully.  Without the ministry of the Spirit of God, we would and will not be able to walk the walk.

Restore to me THE JOY OF YOUR SALVATION.

Salvation is “Joy,” David recognized that without the Joy of the Lord, which is our strength, he would succumb to the temptations of life, “cast away” his confidence, and stumble.  He longed for the “Good News” of God.

• Sustain me with A WILLING SPIRIT.

Oh, that we would have “willing spirits” and quickly respond to the Holy Spirit’s nudging whenever the Lord prompts or calls.

David then said, Lord, I will “teach” transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to you.  As a result of God coming in and setting up residence in our lives, we “Spread the Good News.” It is not that maybe we will. It is a natural by-product of Salvation. 

If something is overflowing within you, you will let others know.  It will not be a labor or a chore. It will be as natural as breathing to “answer for the reason of hope that is within.”  If sharing what is in you is a chore, you might want to double-check what is within you. 

I am not talking about being someone who walks the streets or knocks on doors passing out tracts.  There is nothing wrong with that. I am talking about a natural and normal part of life: you share your faith as the opportunity and situation present itself.  You are “not ashamed of the Gospel” and rejoice in what God has done in you.  It is natural in the life of a person who is “born-again.”

May God be with you as you go through your day!