11.15.07
“CLEANED AND PRESSED!”
Psalm 51:10-13
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.”
This morning I stopped by my favorite cleaners to leave two white shirts for cleaning and pressing. The owner, Dong, and his wife are Koreans. It is always a delight to pick up the laundry and see the transformation. I left them off dirty and wrinkled. I pick them up clean and pressed.
A clean heart and a steadfast spirit are two character qualities that the Psalmist prays to receive. But how do we pursue a clean heart and a steadfast spirit? It is evident from the prayer of David that his works or efforts would not achieve the desired results—it had to come from the Lord.
There is one word in this passage that bears careful consideration. It is the word, “steadfast.” I have underlined it in the Scripture for today. It comes from the Hebrew word “kuwn,” and is translated “right.” Here are some of the nuances of meaning for kuwn: (firm, stable, established, fixed, directed on the right course, morally steadfast). You can see the problem translators face in choosing a single word to define the meaning.
It is significant that David prayed this prayer after Nathan the prophet had confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. He acknowledged that it was the Lord who was the only One who could give him a pure heart and right spirit.
In response to David’s prayer, God did purify his heart and restore a right spirit in him. But there was a price to be paid for his willful sin. We may think we are getting away with our sin, but the reality is that sin brings death. Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” We should always remember that even though God forgives and cleanses us from our sin when we cry out to Him, there may be consequences. Not always, but usually.
If we harbor transgressions, bitterness, or an unforgiving spirit within us, we need to have the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, bring a proper attitude. We know that even in the event of consequences that may result from our past actions, the Lord is able to use us.
Some of you who are reading this are behind bars (physical or emotional) as a result of poor decisions and immoral actions. Can God use you right where you are if you call upon His name? Anytime we offer ourselves to the Lord, He will forgive us, cleanse us and use us. Your ministry may have a life-changing impact upon those around you.
Remember that the last person to accept Jesus as his Savior and Lord, before Jesus died on the cross of redemption, was a thief. He was assured that he would be with the Lord that very day in paradise. Just think of the joy at being the bearer of the message of salvation to someone near you!
When the Lord hears our prayer and creates a clean heart within us, we are ready to begin an exciting new life with Him. It is a time when people around you should be able to see that something has happened. If they ask what has changed, you may want to respond: “I have gone to the Lord’s laundry and He has cleaned and pressed me! I am now ready to serve Him in love.”
Blessings dear hearts. Walk with God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing.
- - - Pastor Cecil