What every sinner needs is an extreme makeover, a makeover that begins with a new heart. Not just a heart by-pass, but a heart transplant - a new, clean heart.

That's what David prayed for. He prayed for a new heart - a clean heart. He prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." (Psa. 51: 10)

The word "create" here is a Hebrew word bara which refers to the action of God. Only God can create. Man can make in the sense of putting existing materials together in various combinations, but only God can create. David realized that he could not create a new heart for himself. Only God could do this for him.

David also asked for a renewed spirit. That is the attitude of heart. He needed an attitude adjustment. This can only come about with a change of heart. His heart was not what it used to be when he was a shepherd boy. He used to desire to please God. His thoughts used to be upon God and His will. He used to express those thoughts and desires in the psalms he wrote. But, everything changed. He became king. He was not as loyal and steadfast to God as he used to be. Have you ever felt that way? Do you, like David, need a divine makeover?

Note the benefits that David expected from receiving a clean heart and a renewed spirit:

First, the presence of God: "Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me." David yearned for the presence of God as he once felt it. But, he realized that the Holy Spirit does not dwell where sin abides. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit. (Eph. 4:30)

Second, the feeling of joy: "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit." I can imagine that David agonized over his sin. He knew right from wrong. He knew that he had transgressed God's law. How guilty he must have felt. How much sleep he must have lost. How many nights he must have walked the floor. Now, he prays, "Restore me to the joy of Your salvation." Much of the depression of Christians comes from a guilty conscience. Many know of unconfessed sin in their lives. It may be deep within the subconscious, but it is gnawing away at your vitals. It's bringing misery. You need to know again the "joy of salvation."

Third, effectiveness in leading sinners to salvation: "Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You." David promised God that he would "Teach transgressors Your ways." He could not do this before his own sins were forgiven. Those who knew of his sins would consider him a hypocrite and would not listen. We may commit sin and afterward feel that we are no longer useful in God's service. But, if we repent - truly repent and people know that we have repented, God can still use us in His service. In fact, it is possible for such a person to become a mighty voice in converting sinners.

Fourth, acceptable worship: "And my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness." While in sin David could not worship. His tongue was silent. He could not sing. But, now he can sing and his worship would be acceptable. That is one of the great benefits that every Christian who sins receives when he or she repents as did David.