Fighting Spiritual Heart Disease
By: Cheryl Robertson, Tampa, Florida
Psalms 51:10 -“Create in me a clean heart , O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Months after David’s sins of covetousness, adultery, murder, and deceit, he is confronted by Nathan, the prophet, with his wrongdoing. David’s indignation towards the rich man in Nathan’s parable forced him to come face-to-face with his own wickedness (2 Samuel 11-12). David realized his heart, his innermost man, was corrupted, was blemished, was dirty from his actions. His acknowledgement of his sin and iniquity and his plea for forgiveness and cleansing are recorded in Psalms 51.
David acknowledged that God alone can create. He is the only Being that can make something from nothing. Paul told the Athenians on Mars Hill, “God who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heavens and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24). David went to the Source of all to create a pure heart from his sinful heart.
David acknowledged that God alone can cleanse. He is the only Being that can make hearts pure and genuine. The Israelites were very familiar with clean and unclean foods they could eat or animals they could use for sacrifices. They knew when something made them unclean and they had to go outside of the camp, and they were very aware of the cleansing ceremonies they needed to use to be able to participate in the cultural and religious activities again. Yet, David says he needs a clean heart, not the outer cleansing, but the inner cleansing that only God can accomplish.
David acknowledged his desire for a clean heart. He wanted his heart right with God. He wanted to be in God’s presence (vs. 11). He wanted the guilt, blame, and iniquity to be replaced with joy, gladness, and cleanness.
What about us? Do we desire a clean heart? Do we acknowledge our sins that soil our hearts? Do we recognize that God alone is the source of creating and renewing? Are we constantly and consistently growing and grooming our character to be more like His? Do we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Mt. 22:37)?
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death throughout the world. Various lifestyle changes are encouraged such as smoking cessation, physical activity, and the management of obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure in order to minimize our risk of dying from this disease. In a more sobering way, spiritual heart disease is the number one killer of our souls. In Matthew 15, the disciples were confused about what defiles a man. Jesus answered, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things that defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man” (vs 18-20). Over and over, throughout the scriptures, the condition of our heart is addressed: “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it springs the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23). “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (Jam 4:8). “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he” (Prov 23:7a). Our words reveal our heart. Our actions reveal our heart. Our laziness reveals our heart. Our diligence or lack of diligence in pursuing godly pursuits reveals our heart. The way we spend our resources reveals our heart. Our friendships reveal our heart.
How are we controlling our risk factors for spiritual heart disease? Are we keeping our mind pure by thinking on good things? (Phil 4:8). Are we ceasing from participation in worldly and fleshly pursuits? (Gal. 5:19-21). Are we managing our thoughts, emotions, and actions to align with the will of God? Are we prioritizing spiritual things in the way we use our time, energy, and money? Have we hardened our hearts as Pharaoh or are our hearts soft and pliable as we learn and grow in the Word of God? Are we pure in heart that we may see God? (Mt. 5:8). Do we love one another fervently with a pure heart? (1 Peter 1:22) Are we protecting our hearts with the armor of God? (Eph 6:10-17).
In the timeless hymn of 1899, “Is Thy Heart Right with God?”, the author, Elisha A Hoffman, asks,
“Have thy affections been nailed to the cross?”
“Does thou count all things for Jesus but loss?”
“Hast thou dominion o’er self and o’er sin?”
“Over all evil without and within?”
“Is there no more condemnation for sin?”
“Does Jesus rule in the temple within?”
“Are all thy powers under Jesus’ control?”
“Does He each moment abide in thy soul?”
“Is thy heart right with God,
Washed in the crimson flood,
Cleansed and made holy, humble and lowly,
Right in the sight of God?”
David had to bear the consequences and punishment for his sins. The sword would never depart from his house, there would be adversity from within his house, and the baby died. However, he was forgiven (2 Sam. 12:11-13). His heart was cleansed and his spirit renewed. Likewise, we may bear the consequences of our sins in this earthly life. But regardless of how wicked our hearts may have been, the Lord provides a new heart, a pure heart, for any and all that are willing to be cleansed, renewed, and purified by Him. May we, like David, ask God to create in us a new heart and a renewed, steadfast spirit so that we may be more like Him each day.