June 11, The Will and the Help
Today’s reading: Psalms 51-55
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me” - Psalm 51:10.
This seems like a prayer that anyone could or should pray, but on closer examination, it is a dangerous prayer that could lead to a tumultuous answer. The psalmist was praying that God would do whatever He had to do to change the psalmist on the inside, in his heart. What’s more, the psalmist was praying for a steadfast spirit or, in other words, patience and diligence. The psalmist was giving God permission to rework and reshape his inner being. Paul described this inner work of Christ when he wrote in Philippians 2:13: “For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” God gives you the will to do His will and then gives you whatever help you need to do it! That’s a good deal. What would God have to work in your life to give you a pure heart and a steadfast spirit? Is there anything stopping you from praying today’s prayer? Can you see that this prayer is one of total surrender?