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God’s Attitude toward Humankind

Title: God’s Attitude toward Humankind Series: Christian Attitudes Text: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit” (Ps. 51:12). Scripture Reading: Psalm 51:10–13 Introduction John Hannah has suggested there have been six great eras of revival in America: the First Great Awakening (1720–1770), the Second Great Awakening (1785–1810), the era of Charles G. Finney (1820–1835), the Layman’s Prayer Revival (1858), the era of the Great Evangelists (1875–1930), and the era of Billy Graham. What will future historians write of our generation? Will today be known as an era of spirituality or secularism? Will we honor God or humor humanism? Will we worship our Maker or serve the god of materialism? Revival has changed the course of history. Revival provides a time for a new beginning. God wants us to be renewed. David understood the importance of spiritual replenishment. In his great prayer of confession, David recorded for us God’s plan for changing man. I. God Cleanses Us and Renews Us in Preparation for Revival David cried, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Ps. 51:10). The word create implies God’s exclusive activity. It comes from an ancient word that meant to sharpen a stick into an arrow. David knew that God must sharpen and prune us. The Jewish king also sought a new and right spirit. The Hebrew word for “spirit” means breath. It connotes power. We need the right kind of power to flow through our lives. Wind and rain may destroy, but when tapped by a windmill or a hydroelectric turbine, nature’s forces turn out vast amounts of energy. David did not ask for just any spirit. He asked for the right spirit. The term right or steadfast comes from a term that means “to stabilize.” A man was driving an automobile when the steering tie rods gave way. He grasped the steering wheel, but the car refused to respond to his guidance and went its own direction. David prayed for the stabilizing force of God’s Spirit to guide him. Arnold Bennett once said that anyone could write a good first act of a play, but it takes a good second act to develop the plot. Christians may put on a good first act, but we must not neglect the rest of life’s drama. God desires that we have a proper spirit for living. II. God Reassures Us of His Presence Being alone terrifies many. King David was no exception. In David’s day, long before the church came into existence, the Holy Spirit had not yet been given as a permanent gift. The Spirit of God could be poured out or withdrawn at any time. Today, when one receives Christ, the Spirit comes. One does not ever lose the Spirit’s abiding presence in the church age. When revival comes, one may be assured that God has come. Renewal does not occur without his Spirit. Encouraged by the breath of the Father, David sought restoration. III. God Sustains Us by Correcting Us King David asked for restoration. He needed to celebrate God’s salvation. Notice that he did not speak of this priceless commodity as “my” salvation but as “thy” salvation. Grace comes from God. One may lose joy because of improper attitudes or actions. Yet one should learn to enjoy salvation. David asked to be sustained with a willing spirit. Today’s English Version translates this verse, “Make my spirit obedient.” Conclusion David exclaimed a great truth: “Sinners shall be converted unto thee” (v. 13). David recognized that when he got right with God, his world would be right. When we have been cleansed, renewed, reassured, and sustained, people will be saved.