The RevivalSample

New Heart

We’ve considered what it means to become a new creation. Today, we’ll read about God creating in us a new heart.

Psalm 51 is written after the prophet Nathan confronts King David about his affair with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. The Lord sends Nathan to David to tell him a story about two men and how one of them was treated unjustly. Upon hearing the story, David shouts, ‘The man who did this must die!’ Nathan replies, ‘You’re the man.’ I can only imagine the shocked silence that ensues as David finally realizes the pain he’s caused through his selfish, unjust actions. He releases his pent-up guilt and shame in this psalm of confession, declaring, ‘I have sinned against the Lord,’ and asks God to create in him a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within him. David’s prayer is one of my favorites, and I often repeat his words to God. A moment after a lustful thought, an angry outburst, or feelings of cynicism, I find myself pleading with God to create in me a clean heart.

The word translated ‘create’ in Psalms 51 comes from the Hebrew word ‘bar’ and refers to an action only God can do. Along with a clean heart, David needed a renewed and right spirit so that he could continue in the way of godliness. I don’t know where you are in your walk with God – skeptical, curious, or a strong believer – but I encourage you to pray this humbling prayer for God to create in you a clean heart and a renewed spirit.

Further on in Psalm 51, David offers his broken, contrite heart to God as a sacrifice. As people who are renewed in our faith – new creations with new hearts and operating in new strength – we live lives of confession. The powerful thing about Psalm 51:17 is that, above all else, God honors humility. David realized that God values a repentant heart over religious acts. The verse teaches that God is more pleased with the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart than He is with a physical offering. God is gracious and accepts those who come to Him with a humble heart. He’s pleased when we offer Him all that we have in our humility, which is usually not much.

As you work out today, consider whether you need to confess something to God. Ask God to purify your heart and to keep you mindful of your need for Jesus.

First the Word – now the Workout:

35 minutes EMOM (7 rounds including rest)

Minute 1: 10 KB swings (right arm)

Minute 2: 10 KB swings (left arm)

Minute 3: 15 cal assault bike

Minute 4: 15 sit-ups

Minute 5: rest