Always Good
“A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.”
During Lent, the idea of a “steadfast spirit” always strikes a chord because Lent is really hard for me. Fasting is hard, and self-control doesn’t usually feel like my greatest strength.
But, at the end of the day and despite my failings, I want a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. I want a clean heart - a heart unmarred by disappointment and frustration and anxiety and bitterness. I want a heart that trusts His goodness, and I long for a steadfast spirit - a spirit that is unflappable, that is steady, that is true, that trusts because…
God is always good.
A steadfast spirit trusts. It trusts that He is always good. It trusts that He is more than enough. It trusts that we don’t love Him in vain. It trusts that He is who He says He is - and that He’s always worthy of glory and praise.
Even when I fail this lent, God is good. Even when I make the wrong choices, He’s always good. Even when I don’t long for a clean heart or a steadfast spirit, He is good. Sisters, I long for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit because God is worthy of it. His goodness makes Him worthy of the cleanest heart and the steadiest spirit. He is worthy of my trust and my sacrifice, and He’s worthy because He’s good.
Father,
Thank You for Your goodness. Thank You for being a good God - not mean or victictive, not abusive or selfish, but good. Thank You for being good and wholesome.
Help us to surrender our hearts to You - so that You can make them new, so that You can make them clean. Help us to surrender our spirits - so You can teach us how to be steady and true.
God, we love You. Thank You for Your ever-present goodness. Amen.