2025 Lent Devotional – Day 1

Desire for a Clean Heart

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

A hardened, violent prisoner, known for his brutality, resisted all attempts to change himself even after attending several sessions on counselling. When the prison chaplain suggested reading the Bible, the man scoffed, claiming his heart was as hard as iron. The chaplain pointed him to Ezekiel 36:26: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” The convict was struck by the promise and said, “I never dreamed of such a promise! I never believed it possible that God would speak in such a way to men. If He gives me a new heart, it will be a miracle of mercy; and yet I think He is going to work that miracle upon me, for the very hope of a new nature is beginning to touch me as I never was touched before.” He read the verse repeatedly. By the next day, the once-sullen man was softened, marveling at the hope of a new heart and the miracle of God’s mercy.

In 2 Samuel 11–12, King David succumbs to sin, beginning with lust for Bathsheba, leading to adultery. Upon learning of her pregnancy, he tries to cover it up by deceiving her husband, Uriah, and ultimately orchestrates his death. David then marries Bathsheba, showing no remorse. The prophet Nathan confronts David with a parable, exposing his hypocrisy and sins against God. David repents deeply, acknowledging his guilt, but severe consequences follow – family turmoil, calamity, and the death of his child with Bathsheba. David’s repentance is expressed in Psalm 51. In vs. 10, David pleaded with God, saying, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” David recognized that his sin did not stem from external circumstances alone but from the deep corruption of his own heart and it needs thorough cleaning. He understood that the heart—the innermost part of a person—is both the source of sinful actions and the foundation for true joy and blessing. Aware of his inability to cleanse or change his heart on his own, David turned to God, the only one capable of such a miracle.

The word “create” reflects the Hebrew term bara, used in Genesis 1 to describe God’s creative power in bringing the universe into existence. This underscores that David wasn’t asking for mere improvement but for a divine act of recreation—a brand-new, pure heart. He also asked for a steadfast spirit, one that would be unwavering and committed to God, contrasting with his previous failures. It is through God’s word we are cleansed (John 15:3). Jeremiah 23:29 describes the transformative and powerful nature of God’s Word. It is compared to both fire and a hammer: “Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” This illustrates its ability to purify hearts defiled by sin and to shatter even the hardest stubbornness, turning them into pure and clean hearts. This prayer aligns with promises in Jeremiah 24:7 and Ezekiel 36:26, where God pledges to give His people a new heart and spirit, enabling them to follow Him. David’s prayer reflects faith in God’s transformative power and a longing for restoration.

Sins of a backslider have to be blotted out, washed, cleansed, acknowledged, and purged again. The Lenten season calls us to reflect deeply on our lives and prepares us to ask God to cleanse and renew us thoroughly. Through the blood of Christ, we are not only forgiven but also purified from all unrighteousness. We may honor God through worship, offering sacrifices, scripture reading, prayer, and fasting. These practices are essential, but they must not become mere rituals devoid of true connection with God. David’s story teaches us that even the most devout can fall prey to sin if vigilance is not maintained. Lent serves as a reminder to guard our hearts and remain steadfast in our faith.

Prayer: Dear Lord, create in me a pure heart and renew my spirit. Cleanse me from sin and wash me in the blood of Jesus. Break my stubbornness and purify me with Your Word. Thank You for Your mercy and the hope of renewal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Rev. Dr. Samuel Richmond