Squeaky Clean

How the love of God cleans up the smudges in our soul

Soap Carvings by the Carbulon Kids

According to a Facebook meme, yesterday was “National No Housework Day”. Huh? Who thinks up this stuff?

Probably a retired couple, living in Florida with no kids at home.

“Come on, Mabel. Leave those dishes in the sink. Bring the wine coolers out here by the pool. No Housework Today!!”

Truth is, I am one of those strange persons who actually likes to do housework. My daughter told me once that she never knew anyone whose house was as clean as mine. Not sure about that. I think it depends on what day you are in my house, but I do love that clean, new feeling when everything is swept, dusted, washed and put away. It doesn’t last long but I do enjoy those moments.

Perhaps I take after our Father. Have you noticed when you read His Word that He is all about “housework”? Cleansing and renewing are two of his favorite things. To cleanse means to rid of impurities. To renew means to give fresh life or strength. Re-new, make new once again.

I’ve always loved this song performed by Keith Green back in the 70’s:

Create in me a clean heart, O God And renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me Restore unto me, the joy of Thy salvation And renew a right spirit within me

The talented musician, Green, composed the music but the lyrics were actually written by David in Psalm 51. David had sinned. He knew things in his heart and soul had become pretty messy. He also knew of God’s penchant for cleaning things up.

You are likely with me on this. Life comes at us at a fast pace. We get preoccupied with all the have to dos and the one more things. It is quite easy to let wrong attitudes pile up in the closets in our heart. Unforgiving thoughts gather in the corners of our mind. Disappointments leave smudges of anger and frustration in our soul. The dust of worry and doubt settle over us and we begin to look, and feel, cluttered and untidy. We need some spring cleaning.

David realized that was exactly what he needed and called out to the only One who could help. God knows how our fragile humanness can get us into trouble. It is His delight to come to our rescue and renew our attitude to make us right with Him again. There is a path back to restoration.

When you read all of Psalm 51, you see that David first confessed his sin. 1 John 1:9 tells us that when we confess our sins to our Father, He is faithful to forgive us and to cleanse us. Acknowledging, owning, the fact that we let our guard down and gave way to sin is the first step to regaining righteousness.

Next David affirmed his belief that God was able to forgive and restore him. Again, 1 John 1:9 confirms God’s intention for forgiveness. Reminding ourselves of God’s love for us is especially important. Maybe, like me, you sometimes forget that God is not too concerned about our clean, neat house. He is much more interested in the condition of our heart and our ability to trust in Him.

Then David declares he is confident in knowing who God is. God, you who are my Savior. David has recognized his own inability to always do the right thing. He admits that only God can redeem him. Praising God is like reminding ourselves of His character and reassuring ourselves that no matter what we have done, He will never forsake us. (Psalm 28:7)

How are you feeling today? Are you squeaky clean? Have you let life take over and create some chaos? Do you need God to do a little housework in your heart, your mind? Is what’s going on inside beginning to come out of your mouth? I’m going to declare this National Rest in His Love Day. Relax and just be His all day long. Surrender your soul to His peace. Let Him restore you from the inside out. The dust will be there tomorrow. But you will be clean and new and ready to take it all on!

I’m with you. I’m rooting for you.