READ: PSALM 51; EZEKIEL 36:16–37:14; 2 CORINTHIANS 5:17

Remove from me this heart of stone

I know I’m more than these dry bones

Create in me a heart that’s clean

A steadfast spirit willing

Restore your joy unto me

Morning mercies covering

Rebuild the rubble heaped around

A garden where new life is found

You alone can make me live

Mending fast with breath and skin

Hope once dead revived again

Cleanse me from this guilt and sin

A broken heart you won’t despise

I’m made righteous in your eyes

By the blood of Jesus shed for me

Now I’m yours eternally • Savannah Coleman

• God called Ezekiel to be a prophet to the Israelites. Even though they were constantly faithless to God, God remained faithful to them (2 Timothy 2:13). In His holiness, God judged their unholiness and idolatry. Yet He was always willing to draw them back to His heart, no matter how much they rebelled. He promised to give them a new heart and spirit, removing their hearts of stone and giving them hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). And this promise is also for us today! Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, He cleanses us from our sin (Psalm 51:2, 7). And He gives us His Holy Spirit, who enables us to love God, love others, and follow God’s good ways. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, it’s true that you’ll still struggle with sin until Jesus returns. But it’s also true that all your sins are forgiven, and you have a new heart! (If you want to know more about trusting in Jesus, see our "Know Jesus" page.) How have you seen the Holy Spirit at work in your life?

• In Psalm 51, David pours out his heart in repentance to the Lord because of his sins of adultery and murder. He knew that he had sinned greatly, but God’s mercy was even greater. Consider taking some time to bring God any sins that come to mind, following David’s example in Psalm 51.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV)