God, create a clean heart for me
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and sustain me by giving me a willing spirit.
Then I will teach the rebellious your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
Psalm 51:10-13
I picture David face down, vulnerable before the Lord, as his guilt and sorrow pour out from his broken spirit. He was left with nothing but humility, recognizing how broken he was and how deeply he needed to be restored by God. He knew the type of sacrifice God required of him. God wanted his heart, a sacrifice of pride, for it is pride that keeps us from repentance. Repentance must precede restoration. Unlike me for far too long, David was fully aware of this. My pride kept me from a humbled, broken posture before the Lord.
Our world today makes it tough to appear anything but stoic, perfect, and in complete control. Peruse Facebook, and in seconds you’ll see this played out. But we know all too well that on the other side of that screen sits a nearly broken spirit — maybe that person is you. Perhaps you have been running and hiding from your repentance because of fear, doubt, or pride. Or, like me, you question whether God will forgive you.
God is far bigger than anything our minds can conceive. We were created to live fully. We must put our unbelief aside and choose to believe that God wants to restore us to a life full of His provision, blessing, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. Are you desperate for restoration today? Do you believe that your humbled heart, laid out before Him in repentance, will bring restoration? Do you believe God wants to restore you?
Do you believe He will? I am praying that if you are in a place of needing restoration, you will run to the Father now and trust Him with your broken spirit and humbled heart.
This excerpt is by Tam Hodge, published in the (in)courage Devotional Bible. It has been edited from its original form.
—
On Saturdays this summer, we’re sharing our favorite Psalms + several devotions from the (in)courage Devotional Bible. We’re loving our summer Saturdays (in) the Psalms with you!
Leave a Comment
Beautiful and so on time!
I really need to be restored,my heart is broken but I know our God is a perfect father who is always there when we need him,thank you for your courageous devotion GOD bless you.
Thank you for your gentle yet poignant reminder of our need to repent of our trespasses. Just as David was a leader, as writers become leaders that are especially responsible to those we influence. So as I got to the last part of Psalm 52 in your post, I was reminded that the only way I would be effective in leading others to Christ was if my own heart was clean before the Lord. Greater still was the importance David brings regarding the only true way we can be cleansed is by the Good Lord Himself. Sadly, as you pointed out, as leaders, admitting our own flaws isn’t easy. We easily go to the comfortable position of denial rather than ask our heavenly father to “search”us and see if there is any wicked way within us. Then we wonder why we aren’t effective in ministry or relationships. WE must first take the “log out of our own” eyes before we try to take the splinter out of others. Thanks again and may God bless you for your wise insights.
This line really stood out to me, “We must… choose to believe that God wants to restore us to a life full of His provision, blessing, mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love.” I’ve been wrestling with choosing peace and joy even though things in my life and the world are not the way I think they should be. Part of choosing is humbling ourselves and submitting our will to God’s sovereignty. It is a hard road for me having been a Christian for almost 40 years and I still haven’t mastered it yet. But praise God. He is worthy of all praise. He is teaching me through His word, the Holy Spirit and people in my life.
Why is it difficult to ask for help? The enemy has told so many lies until we wrongly believe that we can make it in this world without God helping us. That’s just a big ole lie. God’s help is available but P R I D E can stop us from having a repentant heart, or believing God wants to restore us, or believing that we are beyond help, or thinking nobody wants to be my friend, or nobody likes me anyway.
Beware that your eyes must focused on Jesus. Jesus, our Lord and Savior can receive us with open arms. Run to Jesus. Don’t let the enemy keep telling you lies and tricking you that you can’t be loved by God.
You may be the only Bible some young Believer is reading, don’t be a stumbling stone to that Believer.
I’m so glad to know the Forgiving Love of Jesus. I’m His Beloved Daughter and you are also.
With Gratitude,
Brenda
Your Sister in Christ
In Courage,
I read the book “Dangerous Prayers” by Craig Groeschel. Our prayers need to be bold, open & honest. We need to come to Jesus vulnerable and with repentant hearts. Just like the thief on the cross. He admitted his sin & Jesus welcomed him into the Kingdom. My prayers are alright but, very sporadic. This country needs a prayer revival. We need to ask God to search our hearts & cleanse them of any anxious thoughts or sins.
Blessings 🙂