August 13: Renewing My Heart Oh Lord

Theme: Spiritual Renewal

Corry Chambers,
Women’s Ministries Director, CIC

Scripture: Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

As parents, especially those raising children with behavioral challenges, the cry of David in Psalm 51:10 can feel deeply personal. There are days when your patience is stretched to its limits, your emotions are frayed, and your heart feels heavy with disappointment or guilt. You may wonder if you’re doing something wrong—or if you’re enough for the weighty task of parenting.

David wrote Psalm 51 in a moment of brokenness. He had failed—badly. Yet instead of hiding, he turned to God, asking not just for forgiveness, but for renewal. He knew he needed more than just a change in behavior—he needed a transformation of the heart. And so do we.

When a child acts out, it’s easy to focus only on correcting their behavior. But what if God’s first step is to renew something in us? What if the tantrums, defiance, or repeated disobedience are not just challenges to overcome, but divine opportunities for us to experience spiritual renewal?

God isn’t asking you to parent perfectly. He’s inviting you to parent with a renewed heart—a heart that reflects His grace, patience, and love. This means surrendering your frustrations daily, letting go of guilt, and asking God to realign your spirit so that your responses reflect His heart, not just your hurt.

You can’t pour peace into your child’s chaos if your own heart is running dry. So before tackling the next meltdown or consequence, pause and pray:

“Renew my heart, O Lord. Make it clean. Make it steady. Make it like Yours.”

Prayer

Father, You see the challenges I face in parenting. You know the moments I’ve lost my temper, the tears I’ve cried behind closed doors, and the guilt I carry. I ask You now—renew my heart. Create in me a clean heart, free from bitterness, frustration, or fear. Give me a spirit that is right, steady, and full of Your love. Help me to see my child through Your eyes and parent through Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge for the Week

Renew & Reflect Journal:

Each day this week, set aside five minutes in the evening to reflect on the day. Ask yourself:

• Did I respond to my child’s behavior with a clean heart and right spirit?
• Where did I fall short?
• Where did I see God helping me?

End each entry by writing a one-sentence prayer: “Lord, renew my heart…” and finish the sentence with what you need most (e.g., “…with patience,” “…with wisdom,” “…with peace”).

Watch how God begins transforming not only your parenting—but your soul.