A Renewed Right Spirit

O. T. #1245  "A Renewed Right Spirit"
July 20. 2018
Psalm 51
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

LET IT GLOW

As I have grown older, I have found it a more difficult, this thing called a special diet. I knew there were certain foods, much less the sodas, that would make me sick. But I indulged anyway. So there were consequences to endure. It caught up with me, for sure, my not taking care of my body-sinning against my body. My esophagus reaped the results with some damage. The pain brought me to repentance, a restricted diet, and a renew spirit to be faithful to my body and to God. David was in a similar boat, but with different sins.

We have read of David's tragic sins he committed concerning Bathsheba and Uriah in 2 Samuel 11-12. Prophet Nathan confronted the king and he repented. Here David pleads for God's mercy and forgiveness.
David pours out his heart to a God that:

• shows lovingkindness, tender mercies, and blots out transgressions (verse 1);
• is justified when He judges sin and is grieved most of all whenever we sin against others (verse 4);
• desires truth from us and makes us know wisdom (verse 6);
• cleanses the sinner's heart (verse 7);
• gives joy and gladness (verse 8);
• blots out iniquities (verse 9);
• renews a right spirit within us (verse 10);
• desires a broken and contrite heart more than burnt offerings (verse 17).

David admits to God that he sinned against Him whenever he committed adultery and murder.
Our Great God is that and more which David described. When we sin, we can be comforted in the assurance of His forgiveness. People need to hear that. Which one are we and they needing today?

LET IT GROW

What is David desiring from God?

• his sinful heart to be washed as clean as white snow (verse 7);
• joy and gladness restored (verse 8);
• a renewed right spirit and relationship with God (verse 10);
• renewed joy of God's salvation (verse 12);

Do we hear the sincerity of David's repentance?

No sin is too great to be forgiven! While God forgives us, He does not always erase the natural consequences of our sin. David's life and family were never the same as a result of what he had done (2 Samuel 12:1-23). Life Application Study Bible

I needed this lesson today. After a sincere repentance of this sin, I have a renewed right spirit within me from my Merciful Father. I will use the word "no" more often when faced with the temptation of those foods and drinks. I will be prepared with alternatives so I can maintain a right attitude about it all. The challenge is on again. I can do this, with God's help.
What is challenging you today?
Is there a "little" sin that you need to repent of and turn away from right now?

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  (Ps. 46:1)

I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart. (Ps. 40:8)

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.  (Colossian 3:17)

LET IT GO

Repent.
Turn away from those things which cause me to sin.
Seek God's help when I am weak.
Delight to do what is right.
Give thanks for what I can eat and drink, not focusing on what I can't.