Let Me Hear Joy And Gladness

Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.

Psalm 51:8-13

What do you think of when you hear the word fresh? Fresh may mean what the air smells like after a spring rain, or the smell of a freshly mowed lawn, or the smell of fresh vegetables.

We need that kind of freshness in our relationship with God. We can have many stale attitudes – impatience, criticism, and selfishness. However, the fruit of the Spirit will come from longsuffering, kindness and gentleness.

When was the last time you asked God for a clean heart? What better time than today to ask God to give you a newness of spirit, a freshness of faith, and a renewed appreciation of Him. Pray that we may experience His love, compassion, and faithfulness and that we approach each day that way.

To bear good fruit, clear out the weeds of sin.

Our Daily Bread – February 13, 2008