“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10
By Jill Briscoe
The word renew conjures up the promise of a fresh start, a new day, daffodils, and spring. In this context, it also carries with it the sense of permanent renewal. David did not want God to renew him for a passing moment or a day. He wanted to know a steady spirit of commitment for the rest of his life. “Don’t take your Holy Spirit from me,” he pled (Psalm 51:11). David wanted desperately to experience a steady resolve to follow God’s pathway.
God’s Holy Spirit will lend our spirit his renewing, willing steadiness. David prayed that the Holy Spirit would not be removed from his heart. No believer of the present church age needs to pray that prayer. Christ promised that the Spirit would “never leave” (John 14:16).
But we, like David, need to constantly seek God’s face, conscious of our need for a daily cleansing from sin and renewal of his power to continue. Are you tired of constantly coming short of his expectations, others’ expectations, and even your own expectations? When you ask him to renew a right spirit within you, he will lend you his other self to help in renewing your resolve, restoring your joy, releasing your lips, and receiving your praise!
Mothers need renewal. Sometimes they give up believing their children will ever make it. They give up their hope of maintaining their own steady love, unbroken by temper or careless care. Mothers understand David’s prayer. They echo it every day, and God hears and answers with an eternal yes!
