Create in me a clean heart . . .

and keep me from repeating the same mistakes. For many of us, its hard to change. There are things we know we need to do differently, or stop doing completely. I have struggled with habits that I know need breaking. I've wondered why I can't let go of something that I want no part of anymore. Why is an overwhelming desire to stop not enough? I discovered that even though my mind says stop, it's what's in my heart that keeps it going. Realizing that the desire comes from the heart not the mind is what will make the difference. Mark 7:20 - 22 tells us that from the heart comes evil. Pharoah's heart became hard and it was his downfall. The Bible also talks about praying in your heart, knowing in your heart, having a wise and discerning heart and even turning your heart. In essence, all things start with the heart. Asking for wisdom will not propel us to a higher plane. We must start with our heart. Ask God, as did David, to create in us a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Ask God to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23) to reveal what is there that hinders our walk with Him. Only then can wisdom truly be obtained because just knowing better isn't wisdom; wisdom is the application of God-given knowlege, and before we can apply God's Word to our lives we must first place His Word in our hearts. Surrender your heart as Jesus surrendered His life. Repent and turn away, pray and let God do it (1 Thessalonians 5: 22-24)