As we earnestly work towards an all in relationship with God we must understand that this relationship incorporates all three sides of God. God the Son, who frees us from Sin. God the Father who loves us and watches over us. God the Spirit who works in us, without the Holy Spirit our relationship would be empty. He has been working in the world right from the start we see his debut in Genesis 1:2 where it tells us ‘ the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water’. In the Old Testament, his role was miraculous, working in times and place with one individual or group. Jesus, it seems to have changed his direction to dwell in all of those who have accepted salvation.
“Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.”
Psalms 51:7-11 NLT
It’s amazing how Jesus is revealed in so many ways in the Old Testament. In the middle of the Psalms is a cry for salvation and repentance, David cried out to God because he was troubled and needed Gods forgiveness. To me, it is an example of brokenness and realizing that we can’t do it alone.
Now the Holy Spirit wasn’t known by that name in the Psalms and probably should read holiness, but none the less it is the same thing. The Holy Spirit has always been there comforting those who call on God. He wants to comfort you. As a believer, the Holy Spirit lives in you
David cries for a loyal spirit. I wonder how many of us can honestly say when we last prayed for a loyal spirit to reside in our hearts. Jesus promised that even though he was leaving to prepare a place for us in heaven that he would send another, just like him, to comfort us and give us power. Today if you have accepted Jesus and want an all in relationship with God then you need to know that the Holy Spirit lives in you. He is not there to control you but to guide you, strengthen you, encourage you and give you wisdom. We need to embrace the power he has for us. We need to ask him for a loyal spirit, a relationship where we trust in the one Jesus sent to help us. He does not impose anything on us, but I think it is the time we as a church start listening to his voice.
Father, today we pray alongside David. Create in me a clean heart. Wash away all my sins. Holy Spirit work in my life, feel free to take over and change anything or guide me to make changes to improve who I am in Christ. God, renew a loyal spirit in me. I want to be continually faithful to you and your call to reach the lost and make disciples. I want my all in relationship to include not only the Father and Son but the Holy Spirit who strengthens me. Amen
50 Days of Pray 