“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10, ESV)
Is it Biblically sound to pray and ask God to create a clean heart in you?
If you want a clean heart and a right spirit – how will God accomplish that in you?
A clean heart and a right spirit are from God, but they must be worked out by you and me. God has made us new creations when we are born again. The problem with the new creation is it is still living in the old sinful flesh from which it arose and so it shall be until the Lord calls us home or returns to meet us in the air.
Jesus told the physicians he did not come to heal well people but those who are sick. We are all sick with the same disease – sin – which is pride – me doing what I want instead of what God has said. So, God enables the clean heart and the right spirit, but we have to follow the ‘Doctor’s post-surgical orders’ – and follow them just as he gives them. Here is our prescription:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5–7, ESV)
How well are you (am I) following the Doctor’s Orders?