When David prayed in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” the word clean in Hebrew is ṭāhôr — meaning pure, morally undefiled, and free from guilt or contamination. David wasn’t asking God to help him “try harder” or “be better.” He was asking for something supernatural — a heart that is so pure in motive and desire that it is fit for God’s presence.

That’s important, because you and I can’t produce that kind of heart on our own. We can scrub the outside, polish our behavior, and look like we have it together, but only God can reach into the depths of our being and make us ṭāhôr — completely pure before Him. This is more than being forgiven; it’s being transformed from the inside out.

When we pray as David did, we’re admitting that our greatest need isn’t just a fresh start — it’s a new heart. And the good news is, God still answers that prayer. If you’ll surrender, He will create in you what you could never create yourself. And that changes everything.

Just a thought,

PSS

Have you ever rushed into something and regretted it? Most of us have. We made a decision that felt right in the moment, but later, when the consequences showed up, we wondered, Why did I do that? Proverbs 19:2-3 reminds us that “haste makes mistakes” and that people often “ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.” The truth is, speed without wisdom is dangerous. Wisdom doesn’t slow you down to frustrate you — it slows you down to protect you.

Too often, we blame God for messes He never made. We ask Him to bless decisions we never prayed about. And when things don’t work out, we cry out, “God, why?” But God isn’t the one who ran the red light — we did. Yet even in our failure, God is faithful. He still invites us to return, repent, and rebuild. His grace is big enough to meet us where we are and strong enough to lead us where we need to be.

So, if you’ve made a mess, don’t run from God — run to Him. Pause. Pray. Pursue wisdom. Start fresh. Because no matter how fast or far you’ve gone, God’s wisdom is still available, and His mercy is still new. Slow down, listen, and let Him guide your next step.

Just a thought,

PSS

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of life, whether in our personal relationships or in the workplace. They demand vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to navigate through uncomfortable feelings. Often, the mere thought of initiating these discussions can instill a sense of dread, primarily due to the uncertainty of the other person's response or the potential repercussions. However, avoiding them can lead to greater misunderstandings, a buildup of resentment, or missed opportunities for growth.

At the heart of any challenging conversation is the desire for understanding and resolution. Active listening becomes crucial, allowing both parties to express their feelings and concerns without interruption. A successful dialogue is built on mutual respect and an understanding that the intention is not to win an argument, but to achieve clarity and, hopefully, find common ground. Additionally, it's vital to approach these interactions with an open mind, free from preconceived judgments. This mindset ensures that the conversation remains constructive, rather than escalating into a heated argument. James 1:19-20 exhorts us that “Everyone should be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath, because the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

In both personal and professional settings, embracing difficult conversations can lead to deeper connections, increased trust, and a clearer path forward. By confronting issues head-on and with empathy, we not only address the immediate concern but also pave the way for more open communication in the future. While it's never easy to dive into sensitive topics, the rewards — strengthened relationships, resolved conflicts, and personal growth — are well worth the effort.

Just a thought,

PSS

Life has a way of exposing where we really place our trust. When storms hit, do you run to temporary shelters — things like distraction, comfort, or self-reliance? Or do you run straight to the fortress of God’s presence? Proverbs 18:10 says, The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. Safety isn’t found in avoiding the storm — it’s found in whom you run to during it.

The enemy loves to isolate you in the storm, convincing you that distance from God and His people will bring relief. But that’s a lie. Healing, peace, and strength are found only in connection — to God’s Word, God’s presence, and the people He’s placed in your life. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, because we were never designed to carry life alone.

So, when life gets heavy, don’t retreat — run. Run to His promises, run to His presence, run to the family of God. There is safety in the name of the Lord and strength in the community of believers. The question isn’t if the storm will come — the question is, where will you run?

Just a thought,

PSS

Conflict doesn’t start with a storm — it starts with a spark. A sharp word. A sarcastic post. A refusal to forgive. Proverbs tells us that “starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate” (Proverbs 17:14, NLT). And once that gate is lifted, the damage spreads fast. Many relationships haven’t been ruined by one major explosion, but by a steady leak of pride, ego, and the need to be right. That’s why the wisest people learn not just how to fight — but when to walk away.

Jesus didn’t say, “Blessed are the right” — He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” And being a peacemaker doesn’t mean we ignore truth, but that we speak it in love. It means we stop chasing “wins” in arguments and start fighting for peace in our homes, our churches, and our conversations. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is be quiet, forgive, and let God defend you.

Maybe today, God is asking you to stop lifting the floodgate, close the door on drama, and open your heart to healing. A crust with peace is far better than a feast with conflict. Choose peace — not just for yourself, but for the people around you. 

Just a thought,

PSS