Today’s verse is one of the most quoted from the book of Psalms for good reason. The request to create a clean heart is because the heart is defiled with sin. We can easily understand that our hearts are defiled and need cleansing. He alone can cleanse us.
The Hebrew word used for “loyal,” “faithful,” “right,” and “steadfast,” is translated as “to be firm.” It is associated with correcting, and putting right. To renew a loyal spirit is a request to help the Psalmist stand firm and not succumb to temptation again—a spirit that is prepared and ready, a spirit that is established and immovable, one that moves forward in faithful obedience.
What the Psalmist is asking God for is for a heart that is pure, undefiled from sin—for God to cleanse all that was defiled. He then is asking God to help him to have a renewed spirit, a strong and faithful spirit that can stand firm so he no longer succumbs to temptation—so that he no longer goes against God, but instead follows in faithful obedience. Today, let us pray for a clean heart and a right spirit. Let us walk in faithful obedience.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10 [NLT]
Tania Gutekunst 