Deacon Tom Writes,
“Extreme
Makeover”
One of the most emotionally charged psalms in the Old Testament is the
one we read today. It is attributed to King David and is so appropriate as our
Lenten journey nears completion. David is guilt ridden, and rightfully so.
(Read 2 Samuel, chapter 11 to see why). In this dreadful state he wants his
guilt taken away and to be washed clean. Mindful of the damage he has done to
others, himself, and to his people, he turns to God and begs, “create a clean heart in me, O God.” Most
of us can relate to David because we have been in his shoes. And we, like
David, would like to have a fresh start, an “extreme makeover” to renew and purify us through and through.
If we have engaged in the difficult work of spiritual introspection
this Lent, we most likely have encountered some of our flaws, and that’s a good
thing, one of the primary purposes of these forty days. But then comes the more
challenging task…. changing our ways…. And that’s very hard to do. Yet all the
energy, time, and effort we may make to bring about changes in attitudes and
behaviors will, by themselves, likely won’t be enough; we are going to need
even more. So we turn to God and ask Him to cleanse us, renew us, and give us a
willing spirit to change our ways.
The truth of the matter is that most of us carry around burdens of the
past; burdens that weigh us down and rob us of the joy and happiness God
intended for us to experience is this life. In this we can easily identify with
David.. David finds comfort in the compassion of God, and so can we. Sinners
that we are, God is always seeking to create a clean heart in us so that we can
grow in His love and share in the joy of His salvation. These last few weeks of
Lent give us ample opportunity to confront our shortcomings and defects so that
we can join in the Easter celebrated as people who have been given a special
blessing, an “extreme makeover,” and
a fresh start that we enjoy life to the fullest as God intended for us from the
foundation of the world..
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment