"Create in me a clean heart"

This statement came from Psalm 51:10, where David was writing in the aftermath of Nathan condemning his sin with Bathsheba. He had written in the previous verses, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities” (vss. 7-9). David knew the horribleness of his sin and his need of forgiveness from God. These three tender verses represent the noble thoughts of a heart broken by sin.

However, forgiveness was not David’s only need. Going forward, he needed the ability to shun temptation. His plea in vs. 10 begs for a clean heart. A clean heart can keep one from being led into temptation (cp. Matthew 6:13). This is why Paul commanded, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). Focusing on purity keeps the heart clean.

A third part of David’s petition in Psalm 51 is contained in vs. 13: “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.” A natural progression of someone who has committed sin is to be convicted of it, desire a pure heart, and then try to tell others about sin. David was willing to teach the lost about God so they could be converted to Him. Everyone who reads this article and has been redeemed by the blood of Christ should take this to heart. Talk to someone who is lost. Teach them the gospel. Help them find the way to the salvation of their sins.

Kyle Campbell