SPEAKER_00: Psalm 51 was written by King David when he had hit rock bottom.
SPEAKER_00: Even though scripture describes him as a man after God's own heart, David took another man's wife and then arranged her husband's death to cover up his crime.
SPEAKER_00: When the prophet Nathan confronted him, David had to make the same choice we all face when we fail, protect his reputation, or confess the truth.
SPEAKER_00: He chose to confess.
SPEAKER_00: In Psalm 51, 10, he praised, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
SPEAKER_00: The word create here is the exact same word used in the Bible when God shaped the universe out of nothing.
SPEAKER_00: David isn't asking for minor repairs.
SPEAKER_00: He is asking God to completely remake what he destroyed, trusting that God has the power to do it.
SPEAKER_00: Begin by thanking God for his holiness and his mercy.
SPEAKER_00: Praise him because he never turns away a humble and repentant heart.
SPEAKER_00: Thank him that his grace is greater than your failures, and that his desire is to restore, not reject.
SPEAKER_00: Now ask the Lord to search your heart.
SPEAKER_00: If he brings to mind an attitude, habit, or sin you've been avoiding, don't hide it from him.
SPEAKER_00: Bring it into his light and confess it honestly.
SPEAKER_00: Ask him to cleanse your heart, strengthen your spirit, and help you walk faithfully as he shapes you into the person he has called you to be.
SPEAKER_00: Thank you for cleansing, restoring, and making us new through your mercy.
SPEAKER_00: Create in us pure hearts, renew a steadfast spirit within us, and help us live each day in joyful obedience to you.
SPEAKER_00: In Jesus' name, amen.