Purify my heart

2 Corinthians 7:1  Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

Matthew 5:8  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God

We used to sing a chorus that went like this……

Purify my heart, Let me be as gold and precious silver…………Cleanse me from within And make me holy…..

One of the strange benefits we are experiencing in this lockdown is the reduction in pollution. There are fewer cars on the road, and industry has slowed down, resulting in less carbon dioxide and other pollutants in the atmosphere.

If we are going to live lives closer to God, he wants the spiritual air we breathe to be less polluted and cluttered. Di and I have been suffering with sore itchy eyes recently and through a little research Di has tied it down to an increase in the pollen count this time of year. She also found out that Silver birch trees often cause allergic reaction in April and May, due to their very high levels of pollen production and there is a big Silver Birch tree close to our bedroom window.In response to this we have bought an air purifier which we have on at night in our bedroom. There has been a dramatic improvement. The red and itchy eyes we suffered, are now improving.

Is there an opportunity during this lockdown to live purer,spiritually less polluted lives so the spiritual air we breathe is cleaner? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Limit the amount of time watching the more extreme bad news reports and play some worship and praise music instead. While I have been doing bike repairs, I have been listening to Spotify’s best worship selection on my mobile. They play many of the songs we currently sing.
2. When I take my exercise once a day, I pray from theinspiration of God’s creation around me. For me that includes the circling Red Kites and bluebells on my walk through the woods. It’s good to give thanks for all the good things God is giving us at this time, despite the difficulties we are facing.
3. Looking out for the needs of our neighbours. I’ve been encouraging a few of my older neighbours and done a little shopping for them. Loving your neighbour is part of Jesus’ great command.
4. Finding time to fill your heart and mind with God’s word. Before I fill my day with action and a list of things to do, I’ve been reading or listening to the bible in a year. I love reading and hearing scripture.
5. Time for quiet reflection. Probably my greatest challengeis to sit quietly and reflect on God’s goodness and listen to his voice. But when I do it, I know how much it benefits me.

These are a few ways I have been trying to purify the spiritual air I breathe. Why not try and make some good habits while we have the time?