Psalm 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me” (KJV)
Today is Ash Wednesday. It is the first day of lent. Lent is a period of 40 days from Ash Wednesday to the eve of Easter. The counting of days does not include Sundays. Christians observe Lent with prayer, moderation, fasting, repentance, reconciliation and other spiritual renewal activities. It is a great period to do spiritual house cleaning of our hearts and minds to be renewed by the power of The Holy Spirit.
Cleaning is very important in our daily lives and survival. I love to enjoy clean surroundings. It produces in me a sense of well-being. Could you imagine what will happen to our homes and neighborhoods if we decided not to clean and dispose trash for one year or even 3 months? Your guess is as good as mine. There will be total chaos in our communities. There is even a common saying that “cleanliness is next to godliness”. That is why I believe that the prayer of David “create in me a clean heart” is critical in this period of Lent. We need to allow God to work within us to remove the cobwebs of sin and hypocrisy and the debris of unforgiveness that entangle and trip us in our daily walk with God.
May we all be renewed and positioned to receive the” right spirit” as we journey together in this special period of Lent.
Reflection: What steps will you take this Lent to clean your heart and mind?
Reading: Psalm 51; Joel 2:1-2; 12-17
Pastor John Obeng
New Life International UMC
Picture: UMC Discipleship Ministries