Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you. Psalm 51:10-13
Psalm 51 was written by David after Nathan led him to realize the seriousness of his sin. David is filled with remorse and is begging God to forgive him. I believe these verses from Psalm 51 also make a wonderful prayer for us to begin each day.
Each day is a gift from God. Do you approach your day that way? The events and our actions of past days cannot be changed but each morning we wake equipped for a new day with the presence of the Holy Spirit. Begin each day remembering that because of the Holy Spirit we are not alone as we face the day’s events. Be thankful for the new day and for the Spirit’s eternal presence.
Do you have the “joy of your salvation” as you begin your day? That joy should sustain us throughout the day. Will those we meet see the joy of our salvation? How can we teach others about the Lord if we don’t reflect His spirit and the joy it brings us?
David had committed terrible sin but he knew that God would restore him and renew him. That same restoration and renewal is given to us daily. Make sure to remember it and to use it. Thanks be to God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for this new day and for your Holy Spirit that goes with me throughout this day. Help me always to remember and reflect the joy of my salvation. Help me to live out that joy as a witness of your love for me and your love for others. Please help me show the love of Christ to those around me today and help me to see Christ in the people I meet today. Amen.
