As a child and teen, I memorized these verses from a song we sang in church each week. This was King David’s prayer after the prophet, Nathan, confronted David with his sin. Words that became my prayer in times of confession and repentance.
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from thy presence;
and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation;
and uphold me with thy free Spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12 (KJV)
David’s repentant heart cried out to God. He recognized his sin and brokenness and asked for a refreshing of joy that comes to us through salvation.
To better understand David’s prayer, I looked for clarification on two phrases: renew a right spirit within me and uphold me with thy free Spirit.
The NIV reads a steadfast spirit within me which means an established, unwavering, and loyal spirit.
In place of thy free Spirit, the NIV states, grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Other versions read make me willing to obey you (NLT & GNB).
I’ve often sung these words after my attitude turns sour or unkind words spew from my mouth. I’m thankful God hears my cry and forgives. Also grateful for 1 John 1:9 (NIV).
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins
and purify us from all unrighteousness.
God renews my joy when I repent and turn to Him as stated in Acts 3:19 (NIV).
Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
My prayer for us today is this:
Father, renew within us a pure heart. May we be established in Christ, unwavering in our faith, and loyal to You. We are grateful that you don’t give up on us. We need You as our constant companion. Fill us with the joy we experienced when we first received you into our lives. Make us willing children of obedience who follow You and Your Word. Amen.