“A New Heart”

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalms 51:10)

The verse above contains two of 18 separate petitions found in this Psalm. David is appealing to a God of mercy, loving kindness, and righteousness to forgive him. He is filled with sorrow over the sin he has committed. David, motivated by this deep regret, is not only asking for reconciliation, but for a change of heart. 

In this petition "heart" or "spirit" are used interchangeably. The Bible reveals that man is a dual being of body and soul. For there to be a change on the outside, there must be a change on the inside. "Heart" and "spirit" refer to the inward essence of man. David is requesting a change of a emotion, will, and desire.

"Create" (“bara” is the Hebrew) is the same word found in Genesis 1:1: in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The word “bara" means to create something out of nothing. David is asking for a heart transplant. He wants a new one. He is tired of the old emotions and desires. "Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel?”  (Ezekiel 18:31)

The same the life-giving Spirit who created the world is able to give the penitent a new heart. However, God does not deal with human robots. He gives them a choice. Through his word (1 Peter 1:22; James 1:18; John 6:63) he beseeches, warns, and instructs. When the word is received God uses his creative power to renew the heart. When God's word has accomplished its mission it provides a life of sacrifice and service acceptable to God. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)

Dear reader, God wants to give you a new heart. That's what David asked for. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.“ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

By George Slover 

 

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