Get Rid of Debris

I heard a mother tell about her son falling and getting a big gash on his leg. She washed the wound and took him to the doctor. The doctor shined his light into the wound, and she saw that the injury she thought was clean was still full of debris.

We often want to respond like the child who wants to refuse the cleansing. "No, it hurts too much!" But when our heart's desire is to please God, we are willing for the light of the Holy Spirit to search our hearts.

In Mark 10 the rich young ruler came to Jesus and told Him he had kept all the commandments. Scripture says that Jesus looked at him and loved him. He loved him so much that He told the young ruler what he needed to change.

We forget God is looking at us with unfathomable love when He is showing us what He needs to cleanse. He is wanting the very best for us, knowing that as long as we refuse to give up what He can not approve, we are simply hurting ourselves.

So we remember His love and ask Him to show us any hindrances to our walk with Him. The prayer for purity John Wesley used in his Covenant Renewal Service is worth memorizing:

"Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name, through Christ our Lord, Amen."

I praise You, Father, for Your power to cleanse our hearts of all that hinders You from being magnified in us.

"And you, my son Solomon,  serve [God] with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts" (1 Chronicles 28:9).