Create in Me a Clean Heart Oh God

     All week long, the song our choir sang in church this past Sunday has echoed in my head daily, relentlessly.  It's a fitting song for this season of reflection called Lent when we contemplate the Lord's sacrifice for our sins. The words are from  Psalm 51 penned by King David when he was confronted not only for his sin of adultery but also of murder.  Nothing is hidden from God's eyes, not his lust for Bathsheba nor the planned murder of her husband so he could take her as wife.  If ever there was a true cry of repentance this Psalm clearly spells it out.
     David does not make excuses or point fingers.  He accepts the responsibility for his sin and he makes one other very important point.  His sin is against God.  Verse 4 tells us:  "Against you, you only have I sinned and done what is evil in you sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment."  With true repentance comes true restoration.
     Further on in the Psalm, David asks God to give him a clean heart and this is where our choir piece is drawn from.  Verses 10-13:

     "Create in me a clean heart, O God,
     and renew a right spirit within me,
     Cast me not away from your presence,
     and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
     Restore to me the Joy of your Salvation,
     and uphold me with a willing spirit.
     Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
     and sinners will return to you."
     One of the key elements of music and singing is that it tends to stay in your heart for a long time. In fact, many of us can sing word for word a song that was popular on the radio when we were in high school or college.  Yet God's Word is has that same staying power.  Psalm 119:11 says: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." A key way to remember something as a child is to sing it( like the alphabet).  So it is with God's Word.  Singing the Psalms, and hymns that glorify the work of Christ help us to retain the truths from the Bible.
      Another benefit we receive as we sing during worship services is that we are encouraging one another.  Remember the words of the Apostle Paul when he told the Ephesians: "addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart..."(5:19).  From my perspective in the choir, I can honestly say it sounds heavenly when the congregation joins in a familiar hymn.
     There are so many reasons to sing whether in church or at home.  It lifts our spirit and drives away
doubts and fears that can at times overwhelm us.  If a song sticks in your mind, sing it.  That is what I have been doing all week long and I know it has been good for me to think on.  I have a link below so you can enjoy a YouTube video of young women singing the song we sang in church.  Be blessed by this and remember to sing to the Lord a new song each day!  Selah!

 https://youtu.be/sQD7x0MeVak