Fields United Methodist Church

Jesus Along the Way: Words of Grace and Hope.                      Pastor Tom Joyce

November 2, 2020

“Create in me a new heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”

Psalm 51:10

The human heart is truly an amazing thing; it pumps blood throughout our bodies keeping us alive. In Bible speak, our “heart” represents the center of our spiritual being; it guides us through life and how well it works will depend on how our heart is inclined to the heart of God.  If our heart pumps attitudes that see everything and everybody negatively, then we will become negative. When all we talk about is darkness, then even when the sun shines, we still envision darkness being close behind. When condemnation of others takes precedence over commendation of another, then our lives will become judgmental and hate-filled. When all we see is how bad someone is, we fail to see the good in their lives. Psalm 51 is a psalm of confession that guides us to lay at the feet of the Lord all those attitudes that hold us back from truly enjoying the life that God has intended for us to live from the beginning of time. Through Jesus Christ, we are offered a “new heart” that beats the “right spirit,” allowing us to be drawn closer to the very heart of God that envisions a world that offers us freedom from negativity, hatred, and just overall darkness that does nothing but bring us down.  Living life in the abundance of Christ’s grace is a life transformed by a “new heart” that circulates the lifeblood of grace, peace, hope, and joy to every part of life.  Jesus offers us a new heart of faith that is gracious, kind, and giving in all things. It is not living in darkness but knowing that the light of the world is shining even on the darkest of days. The “new and right spirit” calls us to celebrate life at all times, in all places, all for the glory of God. As the words of Vivian Greene so vividly states, “life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” Jesus is offering you a new way to see and experience all life, rain or shine! Accept this new life and celebrate a “new heart” that you have received, only by grace. Pray this prayer daily and you will know the freedom and joy of faith; “create in me a new heart, and put a new and right spirit within me.”

Rev. Tom Joyce