Many, many years ago a man of God, who once had been a simple shepherd who loved to sing and write music, penned these words: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Around twenty-five years ago, another man of God, who once had been a simple hippie who loved to sing and write music, put David’s words to a different tune. Listeners sensed deep passion in Keith Green’s voice as he prayed for God to bring about what no man can do. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, O Lord, take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and renew a right spirit within me.”
A couple of Sundays ago, in a church in a squatter camp in Windhoek, Namibia, five African worship leaders sang the words of Psalm 51 to Keith Green’s melody. It was beautiful music, but as we all joined in worship, I knew the prayer was the need of my heart. Who but God can melt a heart of stone? Who but God can renew the spirit within? Who but God can create something fresh? And who but God can give His Holy Spirit?
Thanks for your prayers for our trip. I seemed to gain strength each day and the last seven days, I would say I was 100%. I think sometimes I should just move to another country, but the truth is that God supplies His children with exactly what they need no matter where they are. And, somehow, He lets our prayers be a part of His mysterious work.
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” Psalm 84:1-2