Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
The story of the prodigal son comes to mind as I read today’s chapter. The younger son is so full of himself when he leaves with his share of the inheritance. But when the good times are over, he finally learns humility and returns home, not to ask for his place as son again, but to be a servant if his father will allow. He knows the depth of his sin. He knows he sinned against his father and heaven. He understands the deep need of restoration.
Psalm 51:11 Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit away from me.
Interestingly, as I was rereading the parable today, the older brother’s behavior jumped out at me. He feels wronged. He feels the father owes him. He is angry that the younger brother got to go live the high life and be welcomed home with no personal cost. (I want to ask indignantly, “How can he not grasp the personal price the brother has paid?,” but I understand where he is coming from all too well.)
Psalm 51:12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Lord, I stand before you, at once humble and arrogant. Like the prodigal, I know how unworthy I am, but I beg for Your restoration regardless. Like the older son, I still get indignant over what I see as slights and injustices over what I feel I am owed. Break open my selfish heart of stone. Create in me a pure heart, Lord. Renew Your spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Draw me closer. Amen.
Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart You, God, will not despise.
Have a blessed day.