Daily Devotion

Continuing our theme from the past two days, I thought I would share another verse and passage that has given me pause during these unprecedented times.

Yesterday I talked a bit about how I struggle to feel as though I have measured up to God’s expectations. During these times where I don’t feel like my best self I am encouraged that God’s love is able to make up the difference. Today’s word came to me in times where I was feeling as though God was using this strange time to make something new. I was reminded of baptism and I was reminded of Psalm 51 where David asks God to make something new in him: a pure heart.

⁷ Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
⁸ Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
⁹ Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

¹⁰ Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
¹¹ Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
¹² Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

When I hear the word “cleanse” or “wash” I am reminded of a refreshing swim or a shower. However, David’s words are far more intense! David doesn’t just want to be washed, he wants to be remade. Crush me, beat me against a rock (*think: washing machine*), get all the stains out and make something new out of me! 

As harsh as that may sound to some, I am reminded that resurrection only happens to things that have passed away. I have asked God to inspire and create something new in me. However, if I’m being honest, I’m not always interested in the pain that comes with growth or rebirth. One comfort to me in the midst of these days is that as challenging as they are, I am convinced that God is still making something new. We are working together, and I recognize I can’t do this discipleship thing by myself. I need a teacher to push me, pick me up when I’m down, and sometimes put me through the heavy wash cycle on the washing machine, so that I can be remade into something new and steadfast.