Advent Day 2

Psalm 51:1-12

Have mercy on me, God, according to your faithful love!

Wipe away my wrongdoings according to your great compassion!

2 Wash me completely clean of my guilt;

purify me from my sin!

3 Because I know my wrongdoings,

my sin is always right in front of me.

4 I’ve sinned against you—you alone.

I’ve committed evil in your sight.

That’s why you are justified when you render your verdict,

completely correct when you issue your judgment.

5 Yes, I was born in guilt, in sin,

from the moment my mother conceived me.

6 And yes, you want truth in the most hidden places;

you teach me wisdom in the most secret space.

7 Purify me with hyssop and I will be clean;

wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and celebration again;

let the bones you crushed rejoice once more.

9 Hide your face from my sins;

wipe away all my guilty deeds!

10 Create a clean heart for me, God;

put a new, faithful spirit deep inside me!

11 Please don’t throw me out of your presence;

please don’t take your holy spirit away from me.

12 Return the joy of your salvation to me

and sustain me with a willing spirit

Finals time has come upon me, and I am procrastinating as usual. There are a million things I should be doing, but I don't really want to do any of them until the last possible moment. My class tonight the importance of being able to play. Play is a healthy means for us to live with our emotions and keeps our souls alive. I completely agree with this and I need to find new and better ways to keep play alive. 

While this passage is begging God for forgiveness and mercy, the last verse is what stood out to me. My life not only lacks good solid play, but also the joy of salvation. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful to have a God that loves me enough to sacrifice a son. But joy is not something I'm particularly good at. Many times I feel unworthy of such a gift or as though I have to prove to God how grateful I am. Joy... that is truly my prayer for tonight. 

Not only could I use a little joy, but in general, a willing spirit is something I am lacking as well. I am willing to follow God in the big picture, but the everyday things are difficult. I would like the willingness to follow God all the time. Sustain in me a willing spirit, because I am willing, but I'm also forgetful and lazy. Help keep me going God, especially during finals.