PODCAST
Hard Work
February 17th, 2023
Psalm 51:1-12
Forgiveness and salvation are gifts given to us by God through His grace, and we cannot achieve them through hard work. Asking for forgiveness might be the hardest work we ever do. It requires us to admit that we have acted in ways that break our relationship with God and others. It often requires us to admit that we have acted in ways that harm our friends and families.
In Psalm 51, David admits his sin to God. He asks God to give him a pure heart and a willing spirit. He asks for the kind of spirit that will turn toward God at the first sign of trouble, instead of at the end of a long and painful path.
The Holy Spirit’s work renewing our spirit, giving us a spirit that is willing to turn and serve God, is crucial to our ability to live as God’s people. We make mistakes, and we sometimes knowingly sin. When that happens, if we have a willing spirit, we will see our error and repent quickly instead of doubling down on our sinful behavior and digging into deeper trouble.
Author: Steven Malcolm
