Distraction of Dirt

Psalm 51:7
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Spring Cleaning! What a job! I spent the majority of my holiday weekend cleaning all the outside areas so that we can relax and enjoy them throughout the summer. The deck, patio, chairs, tables, grill, and even the siding were all covered with debris. It’s amazing how filthy things can get over the winter; moss, pollen and dirt covered every surface. Even after a driving rain which appeared to wash everything clean, the dirt magically re-appeared when dried by the sun. I tried spraying everything with the hose and thought the surfaces were clean, but alas, once again the dirt and mud continued to hold on for dear life.

There was no easy way to accomplish this task. I was going to need a cleaning solution, rags, brushes and a lot of elbow grease. Only after hours of scrubbing, scouring and polishing, did I see the dirt finally wash away. Every muscle in my body ached and I was soaked to the bone from washing and cleaning. But it was all worth it. As I looked at the refreshed patio area, it was if new life was breathed into the tired worn pieces and they were ready to create memories for the new summer season.

Isn’t this what Christ offers us every day? I am not talking about physical grime. Not at all. You see Jesus knows us. He knows the deep hidden places of our hearts. He knows the dirt that collects in the corners of our spirit. We may try to cover it up or put on a façade of contentment, yet that works about as well as the springtime rain. It makes us appear clean for a bit but sooner or later the filth reappears. We cannot rid ourselves of sin without the deep cleansing power of Christ. You see Christ died for our sin, He wants to forgive us and desires to wash away every iniquity. The Psalmist knew the need for this deep cleansing when he wrote Psalm 51:

Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.

God loves us so very much and does not desire us to carry the burden of our sins around with us. Sin, like dirt, weighs us down limits our abilities and tires us out. Our sins may be few, but if they remain hidden too long, they collect more grime and require more work to cleanse thoroughly. When we are cleansed by the forgiving power of Christ, freeing us to serve more joyfully and love more sacrificially.

Dear Loving Lord, I want to seek and serve you with my whole heart. Reveal any hidden sin I may have in the depths of my soul. With the power of your grace and forgiveness, use your Living water to wash me clean so that I may be renewed to serve you in all I do.