A Right Spirit
Today’s Verse:
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ~Psalm 51:10
“The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly” (Proverbs 20:27). The Lord speaks to us through our spirit, and our spirit, in turn, influences our conscience. The spirit within us is the indicator of what is happening in our spiritual life. As he sought God’s forgiveness and cleansing in his life, David also prayed for a right spirit.
We see correctness.
A right spirit is a spirit pleasing to God. It is a spirit that has its affection on things above and not things on the earth. It has crucified the flesh and its affections thereof. It seeks not its own but the things that are God’s. It seeks to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. It is found in all righteousness, goodness, and truth. It is a good spirit that is worshipful and sensitive to the things of God.
We see the compliance.
A right spirit is obedient. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” A compliant spirit is a necessity for God to answer prayer. “And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight” (1 John 3:22). A compliant spirit keeps us from sinning. A compliant spirit obeys God rather than man. David fell into sin because of willful disobedience. A compliant spirit prays, “Not my will, but thine, be done.”
We see the contriteness.
“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Contriteness is having a tender heart towards God and against sin. It literally means to be broken and crushed over sin in our heart. A contrite spirit is grieved when the Holy Spirit is grieved. A contrite heart is one that is humble and poor in spirit. There is the nearness of God towards a contrite spirit. There is the preservation of God for a contrite spirit.
We see the contentedness.
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). Contented Christians are not anxious. They are not prone to getting overly stressed or worried. Contented Christians are unagitated. They are not easily provoked or given to anger. Contentedness means to be at perfect peace with your circumstances, supply, and situation. A contented spirit says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
We see the consuming.
A right spirit is consumed with the things of God. It is compassionate towards winning the lost to Christ and preaching the gospel. It is consumed with a desire for holiness and a hatred of sin. It is fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, and zealous of good works. It is passionate about God, His Word, His church, His work, and His presence. David said, “While I was musing the fire burned.” John the Baptist was a burning and shining light. Elijah was noted for his spirit and power. Epaphras labored fervently in his prayers. A right spirit is the only kind of spirit that a Christian should possess. Make your ambition and prayer for a right spirit today.
Have a consecrated God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Revelation 1-3