Word of Encouragement: Purify My Heart, Lord
- stephaniereck
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 4
All week, I've felt a spiritual call: "purify my heart, Lord." There's a song about heart purification called "Refiner's Fire," penned by Brian Doerksen in 1990. Some lyrics from "Refiner's Fire" include: refiner's fire, my one desire is to be holy, set apart for you, Lord, ready to do your will. I choose to be holy, set apart for You, my Master. As I write today, I sense in my spirit the call to return to the essence of worship, where it's all about Jesus. There is a song entitled, "The Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman.
An alarming epidemic of spiritual adultery and friendship with the world ran rampant in the early church. James passionately told his readers to repent from their wicked ways and return to the Lord.
Are We Witnessing the Same Situation Today?
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (James 4:8, ESV).
The Call to Purify Our Hearts
"Purify your hearts," you double-minded, was James' clear and distinct call to inner purification. It is a call to recognize and confess our sins and receive God's forgiveness.
Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His Holy Place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false God (Psalm 24:3-4).
James branded the believer "double-minded" because they continued to live with one foot in the world while claiming to love and worship God.
The Importance of Inner Purity
The Apostle John acknowledged that the true children of God who look forward to Christ's return "purify themselves," just as He is pure (1 John 3:3).
Jesus Himself said, "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:8).
The Apostle Paul explained that God looks for servants who commit their entire being to Him.
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
Fleeing from Temptation
RUN from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.
Lastly, enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:21-22). Anything or anyone that distracts us or has a contaminating influence on our lives will divide our loyalties and soil our hearts, rendering us ineffective Kingdom servants.
The Journey of Purity
Purity goes beyond just cleaning our outward behaviors. It involves the internal purification of heart, mind, and soul.
Understanding the Essence of Purity
Purity is not merely about avoiding sin. It is about cultivating a heart that seeks God above all else. When we focus on our relationship with Him, we begin to see the world through His eyes. This perspective helps us to make choices that align with His will.
The Role of Worship in Purity
Worship plays a vital role in our journey toward purity. It is in worship that we encounter God's presence. His holiness reveals our shortcomings and invites us to come closer. As we worship, we are reminded of our need for His grace and mercy.
Practical Steps to Purify Your Heart
Daily Reflection: Set aside time each day to reflect on your thoughts and actions. Ask God to reveal areas that need purification.
Scripture Reading: Immerse yourself in the Word of God. Let His truth wash over you and transform your mind.
Prayer: Engage in heartfelt prayer. Confess your sins and ask for strength to overcome temptations.
Community: Surround yourself with like-minded believers. Encourage one another in your pursuit of purity.
Worship: Make worship a priority. Sing songs that uplift your spirit and draw you closer to God.
The Transformative Power of Purity
When we commit to purifying our hearts, we open ourselves to God's transformative power. He begins to work in us, shaping us into vessels of honor. As we become more like Him, we can fulfill our purpose in His Kingdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the call to purify our hearts is as relevant today as it was in the early church. We must heed this call and strive for inner purity. By doing so, we not only honor God but also position ourselves to be used for His glory.
Let us embrace this journey together, supporting one another as we seek to live lives that reflect His love and holiness.
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