Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. (Ps. 51:10)
Have you ever read a Choose Your Own Adventure book? As a reader, it’s unusual and exciting to be able to be part of the outcome. In contrast to a more traditional book, if you don’t like the ending, you can always go back and read a different option.
But life doesn’t quite work that way, does it? I have had many times when I’ve regretted a choice and wanted to return to the beginning and start over. While we can’t do this in a literal sense, God, in his grace and goodness, does that for us every time we repent. He is more than able to renew our spirits in a way that only he can. David painted a beautiful picture of wholeness when he danced around the idea of God creating a pure heart in us. It’s a happily-ever-after ending to a story that only God can tell.
What story in your life needs to be reread? Go back to the point of sin where confession is needed and choose a different outcome with the Lord. Repent of trying to go through your story without him. Instead, let God speak into your story’s direction and consult him before turning every page. When we give him the authority to re-write our story by changing our attitude or impacting our choices, we will find ourselves in a place of gratitude.
Choose to invite God into your story.
Holly Atkinson is a Wesleyan pastor’s wife, mother of two girls, student at Wesley Seminary, and an assistant principal at a private school in Florida.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
