Cleanse my Heart, Oh Lord
“For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.”
~ Psalm 51:3-6 (ESV)
I had mentioned that the company I work for has been going through some restructuring, especially the accounting department. We just had another realignment of responsibilities so we had to have a department meeting. As we were going over all the changes, it was ‘casually’ mentioned that someone was promoted within our department.
Let me tell you – I sat in my chair like someone just slapped me in my face. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. You see, I was really interested in the position if it ever were to become available. My mind was racing ‘Did I miss the announcement that they were opening up the position?’ ‘Am I not good enough to be offered the position?’ ‘Did I not work hard enough to be noticed?’ ‘Lord, WHY????’
I don’t think that I heard any other announcements in the meeting. My head was pounding – all I wanted to was get out of the meeting and have a pity-party. I didn’t even congratulate my co-worker (yuk!!!!). The rest of the afternoon went like in a bad dream – I was ready to cry…
Not only did I started arguing with the Lord that I know what is best for me; I also forgot several things that I was suppose to do – like meeting our son after work. Or take the right turn on the road home…I was beside myself to say the least.
Sometimes I loose my focus; that is when I get in trouble. I get distracted by the ‘me-factor’. I know that I can trust my Lord to know what is best for me. I don’t need to tell how to do His job.
This Lenten season I am not giving up anything, but ask the Lord to clean every little corner of my heart. I might not like what I see, but I know what it will be necessary to keep my priorities straight.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Today, I humbly come before You to ask for Your forgiveness. I have seen my sin this past weekend and I am heartily sorry for my thoughts and deeds. Lord, cleanse my heart from all unrighteousness. May I glorify Your name with my life. I am trusting in Your mercy. In the precious name of my Lord, in the precious name of Jesus I pray ~ Amen.
Blessings on your day and always…
God loves you my friend, and so do I.
I, too, get stuck on the ‘me-factor.’ It is part of our human-ness.
Thanks for sharing…I needed to read this today.
On another note…
Come get some Linky Love:)…
http://scrappynhappy.blogspot.com/2008/02/linky-love.html
Thanks for this Iris. I needed it today…something I’m trying because it was suggested….to fast for a week without asking Him for anything…..it’s hard….I have found myself in two short days having to stop and praise Him instead of my usual asking for “me and mine”. I am still interceding for those who are sick or have storm damage….or martial problems, but as for “me and mine” I am striving to not ask, but to praise instead….it really does change your perspective and puts your thinking in a different light…..It will blow you away how many times a day you are “asking” Him for something….I talk to Him all day, so I’m not keeping a record, but the Holy Spirit does bring me up short, when I start to ask…This is good for the Me ism’s, guess that’s not a word but everyone knows what I mean. Blessings on your day….
I’m praying this prayer along with you. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Iris, I’ve been there before. IT’s so much easier to have a pity party than to rejoice for the successes of others. Isn’t it wonderful toknow that He forgives so graciously, erasing all of our wrongdoing and wrong thinking? My spam word is Mercy – that’s my word for you today too!
My Sweet Iris,
I know exactly how you feel….
And….. I have been here too often, right along with you….Not only did I started arguing with the Lord that I know what is best for me;
In due time Iris…. Take comfort in knowing that you are really helping so many Christians through your writing. THAT is where God sees your talents and He is well pleased. 🙂
Iris, thank you for sharing this. I’ve been there myself so I can relate oh so well.
Iris, I love it that you are so open and honest – that you always speak straight from your heart. I, for one, can identify with what you were feeling. I often have to deal with ugly things that want to take over my heart. We are all on a journey toward becoming what God would have us be. I think you are making wonderful progress.
When I was trying to get pregnant with Jackson, my friend announced her FOURTH pregnancy and instead of congratulating her I said, “No! It’s my turn.” Nice huh? Sometimes we do lose focus and thankfully God knows our heart (even when our friends and coworkers don’t!).
That job probably stinks anyway, Iris. God has greater plans for you, my friend.
((((((((hugs)))))))
hello be the lord we are what we are and by him we will be blessed .so please we will be glad to worship him and praise him for all his goodness ,kindness ,love and everlasting joy that we have hear on earth for all the people that do not have the bright light withing them .they are blessed for the lord never keeps people behind and he does not discriminate withing others .
for what you have is by the lord and for what you lose is for him too so i kindly plead that we all should worship and praise him for the things he has done.
jonas williams
from cameroon
bamenda.
i have normal difficulties that i face as a youth and many i can not overcome them i will be glad if you help me out ..