In Jeremiah 17:9 the Word declares that “the heart is
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it?” Perhaps
it’s the same reason why king David cries out to God saying, “Create in me a
clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). The
plea of king David is like no other. But not only he understands that he has
sinned against the Lord of hosts by sleeping with Bathsheba, but he also
comprehends that he is in desperate need of a new heart; A heart that is capable
to love and that only God can create.
Genesis 1:1 uses the word בָּרָ֣א (barah), which means, “to create.” However, it signifies a
work that only God can make, and this verb, in relation to the creation of God,
is only mentioned in two events in the WTT Hebrew Old Testament: The heavens
and the earth (Gen 1:1) and mankind (Gen 1:27). And king David understands such
concept. Therefore, in his supplication, he asks the Lord to “barah” a new
heart; A heart capable to love.
Many people who have developed a special relationship with
Jesus have let the Lord “barah” a new heart in them. Such is the case of my
good friend Chanty Alicea as she writes passionately about this Man, who not
only has created a new heart in her, but has also conquered it with His
inexplicable romance:
“So what if I can't stop thinking of him? What's the problem
with constantly talking about him? It's more than love; I'm obsessed with this
man! I mean, how can I not? He is the total romanticist! To him, it's never
enough to just say, "I love you". He does the impossible to prove it.
He is not satisfied with just giving me a flower on a special occasion; he
prefers to give me the stars every night to remind me of all his plans for us.
To him, there is no ‘till death do us part’ because he promised he'd love me
forever.
I never heard of a man who was willing to fight for someone as much as
he has fought for me. He was willing to give up his life to set me free.
I was heartbroken when I found out about the cross, even
more so when I knew that I didn't deserve such a romance. But three days later
he appeared back at my door more alive than ever. He said that the cross was
his way of engagement. And although he didn't give me a diamond ring, he
promised me roads made of gold and a mansion by crystal clear waters! What more
can I ask for?
He conquered my heart and made me feel love in the fullest of
all forms. I was so alone when we met, so afraid of being rejected, of being
broken and mistreated like everyone else in the world had done. He seemed too
good to be true! His promises were just too grand for me to take him seriously.
I will never forget the first time I heard him call me by
name... I felt like my heart was going to stop! Then, he took me from my messy
life and chose to love me. ME! Crazy, weird, random and easily distracted me!
He just didn't care! Before him, I was clothed in rags; my poor bare feet were
sore from walking endlessly in search for freedom. But when we started dating,
he brought me a whole new wardrobe! He clothed me with splendor and beauty. He
covered me with his jacket of grace and carried me so that my feet would never
again hurt. He turned my life around. In him, I have purpose. With him, I feel
a freedom that nothing in this world has ever before been able to offer me.
So forgive me if he's all I talk about. I may seem crazy and
silly and weird...but I will never give up this love. Even if I seem to be the
only one standing, I will never again have to feel alone because he is always
with me.
And even though he had to go work some things out with his father
before we could complete the marriage, long distance is never a problem for us.
He's always there to listen whenever I need to talk to him. And I may not be
able to see him yet, but his love is so true and pure, that it follows me
wherever I go. He sends me flowers in the summer and spring, and whispers love
poems to my ears with the soft winter wind. I can't wait until we meet again. I
feel joy in knowing that each passing day only brings him closer and closer to
me. And I know that he will never give up until he can finally take me home
with him. And we will share our love forever.”
So, has the Lord created a new heart in you? Can you hear
his whispers of love through the soft winter wind?
May your prayer on this day may be, “Create in me, O Lord, a
new heart capable to love… To love you!”
Blessings!
