Create in me a clean heart…

My mornings in this new year have been spent sitting quietly before God, being in the Word, waiting, and listening. It’s been a challenge because I was having a hard time hearing God’s voice but I continued to wait, listen and read. Slowly, the verses I’ve been studying have been coming into focus and this post is about what I feel God is speaking to me, and maybe will speak the same to you.

I began studying this verse when I started praying about the new year and preparing my heart for all that God has for me. I didn’t really know where to study and what to pray but I began to ask that God would show me the direction He would have me go. One thing I’ve learned is when you are seeking God’s voice and direction, if you don’t hear guidance or direction, it’s best to wait until you do hear His voice. One way the Holy Spirit speaks and guides through reading the Word. This verse kept coming up and I knew it was the direction to go and study.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
The word humble in Hebrew is defined as:
כָּנַעkânaʻ, kaw-nah’; properly, to bend the knee, bring down (low), into subjection, under, humble (self)

https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/2ch/7/14/t_conc_374014

I desire to live a life humbly before Him. The deeper I go in my walk with God, the more I study His Word, the more I see He is so for me. The Bible is so full of His promises, verses of His love for me, His good plans for me. His Word is life and life giving. I fully trust He will do what He promises me in His Word. It’s living a life that’s less of me and more of Him. John 3:30 – “HE (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.” HE>i.

I was already studying the verse, Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Blueletterbible.com describes throw off as “ἀποτίθημι apotíthēmi, ap-ot-eeth’-ay-mee; to put away (literally or figuratively):—cast off, lay apart (aside, down), put away (off). God is calling me to humble myself, search my heart and examine it, to see if there is anything there that isn’t pleasing to Him, then whatever He reveals to me, to get rid of whatever is hindering my walk with God.

As I’m sitting here, I recall the other verse I was studying last week from Galatians 5:7-8, “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.” We have a race to run. There is a set course.

As a Jesus follower, the Bible gives us clear instructions on how to live. These verses are simultaneously being woven together into my heart and mind this as I’m posturing my heart in submission to God. God is reminding me I have a race to run, a path to go down. He’s leading me and guiding me. There are things I need to lay aside: ways of thinking, speaking, actions that aren’t congruent with the way He’s leading me in. When Jesus corrects me through His Holy Spirit, it is never condemning. It is however convicting. It’s with love. He sees a better way and will guide me.

So I give Jesus my “Yes.” I am humbling myself before Him and am examining my heart. If there is any displeasing way in my heart and life, the Holy Spirit will show me.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:10

 His plans, intention and heart for me are 100% trustworthy. And it is the same for you. He is pursuing hearts fully in this time. I fully believe this.

Pray with me. Lord, We give thanks for this day. You are good. Your love endures forever. My heart feels you calling me. You want me to go deeper with you. You want more of me. My heart wants more of You as well. I will posture my heart in submission to you and will examine my heart. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. I give you my “Yes.” In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”