“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10
David was guilty of breaking many of the Ten Commandments. He had coveted, lied, committed fornication, and even murder. When God sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront him with his sin, he no longer tried to cover it but cried out to God in repentance. He acknowledged that he was wrong and pleaded with God for mercy and forgiveness. He realized the need for cleansing and renewal of his spirit.
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” Psalm 51:12-13
When Paul added the next attribute Timothy needed, he may have had this scripture in Psalms in mind. If Timothy were to become a good example to those he ministered to, it would be important for him to have the right “spirit.” This would mean shunning evil, resisting temptation, and being obedient to the Word of God.
How does this apply to us as women who desire to please the Lord in all that we do, and to be an example to others? Peter gave good advice to wives, but they also can apply to all women.
I Peter 3:4 “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote the following in the 19th Century, “Don’t say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.”
That quote is still true today. What we are is far more important than what we say. Today the world bombards us with ways to look good on the outside, but as women of God, we should be more concerned with what is in our hearts. Let us yield to the Holy Spirit, keeping our spirits pure and holy, so that others will see Christ in us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, search our hearts today, and cleanse us from anything that is not pleasing to you. Renew a right spirit within us and use us as witnesses for you.
Devotion by Anne Johnston
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